These days, most cases Settle Without Going To Court.
The majority of our clients prefer to settle their cases rather than have a jury or judge determine their fate. There are many reasons why it might make sense to settle your case without having a trial (time, expense, control, privacy, etc.).
Lawsuits in Tennessee are often settled through a process called mediation. Mediation is an informal process where a mediator helps people with a dispute to reach an agreement/settlement. A mediation basically is a negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party (the "mediator").
The mediator is not a judge and does not make a decision or impose a solution on the dispute. The mediator simply helps those involved in the dispute talk to each other and allows them to resolve the dispute themselves. The mediator manages the negotiation and remains impartial.
In most accident and injury cases, the mediator is a licensed attorney with significant experience handling personal injury cases. The mediator can offer a fresh perspective, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each party's case. A successful mediator will often be able to bridge the gap between the parties and encourage an amicable resolution.
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a list of certified mediators who have been recognized and trained under Tennessee law.
Contact Nashville, Tennessee lawyer Patrick D. Witherington to learn more about settling your case and to find out if the mediation process is right for you.