Mediation

Family Law Mediation:

Mediation can be a great way to sort out differences between you and your partner with the help of a third party. It is an interactive process that focuses on the needs and interests of both parties. Whether you are having trouble reaching an agreement on the allocation of property, money, or how you’ll both be spending time with your children, we can help you come to a solution that doesn’t involve legal action. This alternative to legal action allows you to have a say in how the proceedings go and gives the opportunity for an amicable resolution. It is important to remember that when working as a mediator, even though Marcie is an attorney, no legal advice can be given to either party

Workers' Compensation Mediation:

Under Florida's workers’ compensation laws, injured individuals and their employers' insurance company must attend mediation prior to going to trial. Mediation is an opportunity for the parties to get together and discuss the case in an informal setting. The purpose is to help expedite settlement disputes so an employee can receive benefits he's entitled to without needing the case decided at a trial.

Issues can range from simple items such as an unpaid medical bill to complex issues of long-term medical and work loss benefits. In most instances, insurance carriers come to mediation with the hopes of reaching a settlement of the entire workers' compensation case.

What Happens in a Workers’ Compensation Mediation Conference?

Under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws, the mediation must occur within 120 days after a Petition for Benefits is filed. There's no cost to the injured worker for the mediation and most are conducted via Zoom.

The parties' lawyers, the injured worker, and a mediator attend the mediation hearing. In some cases, the insurance adjuster for the case is also present or available by phone. Here’s what happens at the conference:

· The mediator can help identify issues, develop bargaining positions, and convey settlement offers between the parties. However, a mediator doesn't represent either party, make decisions for them, or order the case be settled in a certain way.

· If an agreement is reached through the meeting, the mediator drafts a memorandum of understanding that's approved by the parties and their lawyers. Often the attorneys draft a Settlement Agreement that's signed by both of them and filed with the court.

It's important to retain an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to attend a mediation conference with you to present a compelling opening statement and to protect your rights to benefits throughout the negotiations. To learn how our skilled legal team can help you, call our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.