Alternative Dispute Resolution In Litigation

In recent years there has been a growing emphasis on all parties to a claim to consider engaging in ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution). ADR refers to the different ways parties can resolve disputes without a full trial at court. Mediation and joint settlement meetings are both forms of ADR which commonly are used to resolve personal injury claims.

In a mediation, a mediator, who is a neutral third party will enable negotiations and open lines of communication between the parties. The mediator focuses on narrowing down issues of dispute between parties and work towards an acceptable settlement.

In a joint settlement meeting (JSM), there will be joint discussions that take place between both parties, along with confidential and separate discussions that will take place amongst each party and their legal representatives. Negotiations in a JSM take places directly between the parties and are less formal than a mediation.