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Your Case Doesn’t SETTLE: NowWhat? The Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration When clients come in with a personal injury claim, our goal is to get their case settled for the full value as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. The insurance company might not agree about who’s at fault, or they offer much less than the claim is worth. When this happens, settling the case just isn’t an option. When clients hear that we can’t settle their case, they start to worry that they’ll have to go to court. While we are always ready to go to court and fight for our clients if we have to, most clients do not want to deal with that kind of stress if they can avoid it. The good news is that going to court isn’t always the only option if we can’t settle a case. There’s also mediation and arbitration. What is mediation? Mediation is when both parties — in this case, our clients and the insurance company — agree to meet together with a mediator. The mediator is usually a retired lawyer or judge who tries to help both parties reach a settlement agreement. If you are considering mediation, remember that the mediator is only there to facilitate the process; nothing they say is binding to either party. Mediation is a voluntary process, and either side is free to walk away at any time. At Spada Law Group, 90% of our mediations result in a settled case. What is arbitration? Similar to mediation, arbitration is a voluntary process in which both parties meet with a third-party neutral who acts as the judge to decide the case outside of the court system. However, while a mediator merely facilitates the process, an arbitrator’s decision is binding. In a sense, arbitration is a quicker, less formal, and less expensive trial. While there are some advantages (quicker, less formal, and less expensive) to choosing arbitration over trying your case in court, in arbitration, the decision is made by one person rather than a jury. By agreeing to arbitration, you are committing to the decision of the arbitrator. You cannot appeal if you believe a mistake was made. Finding yourself involved in a personal injury case is never pleasant. The best-case scenario is that you are able to settle your case quickly for its full value and focus on your recovery. If a settlement isn’t an option, remember that the team at Spada Law Group has your back. We’re here to guide you through the process and help make the best decisions for your case. Have a question about mediation, arbitration, or personal injury cases in general? Don’t hesitate to call 617.889.5000! We’re here to help.
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F J R O M R N X O K P V R I A K T S C A P R I C O R N K M S Y E B T F W A E Z I S M S F T R V E V T Y L G U E T N C X H S U I R A U Q A N F E H U N D W O N S Z N Z D W E G R X E O N E W Y E A R D S O I J F T T B J I K H P A I R G D F N G M E W V K T J W B C X T V K E R
AQUARIUS CHAMPAGNE JANUARY PARTY
SNOW CAPRICORN FIREWORKS MIDNIGHT
PIG TOAST CELEBRATE FREEZING
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION WINTER
Inspired by Allrecipes
New England Clam Chowder Local Chef’s Corner
Clam chowder has been a proud New England tradition for hundreds of years. Start your new year right with a hot bowl of traditional New England clam chowder.
INGREDIENTS • 4 slices bacon, diced • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion • 1 1/2 cups water • 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed • 1 1/2 tsp salt
• Ground black pepper, to taste • 3 cups half-and-half • 3 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp flour • 2 10-oz cans minced clams
DIRECTIONS 1. Place diced bacon in a large stockpot over medium-high heat and cook until almost crisp. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in water and potatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cook covered for 20 minutes. 2. Pour in half-and-half and add butter. Mix in flour to thicken soup. Stir clams and all clam liquid into the soup. 3. Cook for 5 minutes until heated thoroughly; do not bring to boil. Serve hot, preferably in sourdough bread bowl.
CALL NOW! 617.889.5000 • 3
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