Mediation in Atlanta Personal Injury Cases
In recent years, all throughout Atlanta, mediation has been growing more and more popular as a means of resolving legal claims, particularly in personal injury and workers' compensation cases. Mediation is a form of "Alternative Dispute Resolution" that gives the injured person an opportunity to resolve his or her claim against the insurance company without going to a jury trial or to a hearing in front of a Judge. So, when the injured person and the insurance company come to a mediation intending to reach a fair settlement, mediation provides an opportunity to settle the claim that is less expensive, much faster, and much less stressful than going to a trial or hearing.
Mediation provides an excellent opportunity to reach a final settlement in a comfortable and low stress process, without the time, stress, and expense of going to a trial or hearing. In recent years, many more mediations have been conducted in both types of claims, and in workers' compensation claims, far fewer matters are going all the way to a hearing in front of a Judge as a result.
Understanding the Mediation Process
Mediation is held at a Mediator's office or at the State Board of Workers' Compensation in workers' comp cases, although it can also be held at the offices of an attorney representing one of the parties in the case. The mediator will be an attorney with a lot of experience in personal injury and/or workers' compensation, who has obtained special training to be certified as a neutral mediator with the State of Georgia. The mediator is not an advocate for any party; instead, the mediator is a neutral, whose job is to work with both parties to reach a resolution of the claim.
All mediations begin with both parties present in the same room, where the mediator will describe the mediation process for the injured person, and then give both parties a chance to present their side of the case. The parties will then separate into two different rooms, and the mediator will go back and forth between the two rooms, carrying settlement offers and information back and forth between the two parties in an effort to reach a final settlement or to resolve the issue.
Mediation for Personal Injury vs. Workers' Comp
Mediation is basically the same process in personal injury claims as it is in workers' compensation claims. Private mediators can be used for a fee, which is most often paid by the insurance company. What is different about workers' compensation claims is that they are handled by the State Board of Workers' Compensation, as opposed to the regular court system in Georgia.
The State Board of Workers' Compensation has an Alternative Dispute Resolution unit that provides mediations free of charge in workers' compensation claims. It also has offices throughout the state where mediations can be conducted, and the State Board will provide the mediator from its ADR staff, who will travel to a State Board office near the injured worker for the mediation.
Another difference between personal injury and workers' compensation claims is that in personal injury claims, mediation is always used to try to reach a final settlement. In workers' compensation claims, while settlement mediations are also very common, mediation can also be used to resolve other issues, for example a change of treating physicians for the injured worker.
Contact Our Skilled Sandy Springs Injury Law Firm
AtKaleita Law Firm, LLC we have over 30 years of experience mediating both workers' compensation and personal injury claims. We work hard to deliver the best representation and service to each of our clients and we offer a more personal approach to working with our clients. We're confident that you will feel well cared for and well informed about the status of your case.
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Medical Treatment & Workers CompHave you been injured on the job? You deserve to have an Atlanta worker's comp attorney on your side who understands what you are going through and who can offer compassionate, supportive legal representation. -
We Know When to FightWhen working to collect benefits or negotiate a settlement for a client, we are not here for our egos. We work to attain success without long, drawn-out battles. No one benefits from endless fighting instead of resolving issues. There is an old saying that “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
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You Only Pay When We WinAttorney’s fees in Workers’ Compensation are “contingency fees,” which means we only get paid for our services when we recover benefits for our clients or settle their claims. You only pay when we win for you.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Kaleita Law Firm, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Truly concerns about client's health and medical needs, which are of much priority needs than settling the case."I was referred to his practice by my wife who was quite impressed with Atty Kaleita. I was very pleased with my experience at this office and the way he handled my case. Very knowledgeable, courteous, friendly and professional. He cares about the overall outcome, has the resources in the field to assist me get solutions to worrisome questions. Truly concerns about client's health and medical needs, which are of much priority needs than settling the case. He will spend as much time as need to answer questions about the case. Atty Kaleita has vast knowledge about respectable treating physicians for clients. During settlement time, he takes the time to review the case and make sure he knows what it worth.- Tokunbo W.
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"You can't go wrong if you go with Mr. Kaleita."You can't go wrong if you go with Mr. Kaleita.- M.T.
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"The most humble person I have met in this profession and cares about the overall outcome."I was injured in the apocalypse snow storm of Atlanta in 2014, I never intended or thought I would need an attorney to assist me with all the ongoing paperwork, needed to get me through this long and draining process. In the process I was not only drained of going to therapy 5 days a week 3 hours a day, groggy from pain pills, and really no in my right mind to make good decisions, I wanted this over and done with, but when I felt being pushed into the wrong direction by insurance company, I had no choice but to start my search I logged in on a Saturday and begin emailing attorneys to see if anyone could help me. On a Sunday Mr. Kaleita called we discussed the case not even being a client yet it was an immediate trust and connection, he understood my frustration and since that day I felt he has been a guardian angel to help me in every step of the way. Even when I thought we were completed, he was such a thorough person, he not only checked once but twice and always found something overall I feel he has become my greatest attorney yet, as well as a mutual friend..the most humble person I have met in this profession and cares about the overall outcome. I would recommend him to anyone. No matter what matter you may have he has a resource in the legal field to help you get your answers. Very knowledgeable in his field- Blanca
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"Excellent Attorney"Doug is an excellent attorney, who cares about his clients. He was a blessing for me and for my family.- Mary
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"When it comes time to settling he takes the time to review the case and make sure he knows what's it's worth. All in all a very good lawyer."When it comes time to settling he takes the time to review the case and make sure he knows what's it's worth. All in all a very good lawyer.- Matthew
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"Great Job on Both Cases"Doug was my attorney in two workman comp cases. He did a great job on both cases he got me the most money that he could, he did not leave one penny on the table.- Alan
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"When it comes time to settling he takes the time to review the case and make sure he knows what's it's worth. All in all a very good lawyer."When it comes time to settling he takes the time to review the case and make sure he knows what's it's worth. All in all a very good lawyer.- M.D.
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"Now I have been made whole again all thanks to the hard work of Douglas Kaleita. I cannot thank him enough."Now I have been made whole again all thanks to the hard work of Douglas Kaleita. I cannot thank him enough.- J.A.
Why Choose Kaleita Law Firm, LLC?
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Access to World-Class Medical Care During Recovery
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Free Case Review to Discuss Your Legal Options
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Clients Speak Directly with the Attorney, Not an Assistant
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No Fee Is Charged Until We Win Case
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Millions of Dollars Won for Our Clients
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Over 30 Years of Legal Experience
