The Mediation Process
Very few personal injury lawsuits that are filed actually are tried before a jury. The vast majority are settled at some point prior to trial, many times through the mediation process. Mediation is a process in which you and your attorney will meet with the defendant, their attorney, and an insurance company representative in the presence of an impartial mediator in an attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory settlement of a pending claim. Even though mediation is much more informal proceeding than a trial, it can still be an unsettling experience for someone who has never participated in one. For this reason it is important for you to have an experienced personal injury attorney at your side.
I have attended many mediations over the years with my clients and have dealt with many of the local mediators. If your case is going to mediation we will have an extensive pre-mediation conference prior to the scheduled mediation so that I can fully inform you as to what will occur at the mediation, what arguments and claims you will hear from the defense attorney, the range of expected settlement demands and offers, and the prospects of settlement. With my past experience as a personal injury attorney, you should face no unexpected surprises.
The Jury Trial
If your case cannot be settled, either informally or through mediation, it will go to trial, usually before a six-person jury. Although the length of time varies, most personal injury trials can be tried within one week or less. As a personal injury lawyer I have tried cases involving auto accidents as well as premises liability before juries and will bring my past experience in the courtroom to work for you. As with mediation, you need not fear the prospects of the jury trial experience. We will have extensive time to prepare for your presence at the trial, including the preparation of your own trial testimony, so that you can feel as prepared and as comfortable as possible for what you will be facing. As always, I will be there at your side fighting for you.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
Call 813-699-4896 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Eastern Hillsborough County personal injury lawyer. If I do not recover compensation for you, you will not pay an attorney's fee. I have flexible office hours and am available for weekend and evening appointments.
D. Michael Elkins, P.A.
1312 East Lumsden Road
Brandon, FL 33511
Toll Free: 866-986-4123 | Phone: 813-699-4896 | Fax: 813-567-1205
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At the law office of D. Michael Elkins, P.A., I represent clients throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County, Florida. My Brandon location makes my office especially convenient for those living or working in Eastern Hillsborough locations such as Brandon, Apollo Beach, Balm, Bloomingdale, Boyette, Dover, Durant, Fish Hawk, Fort Lonesome, Gibsonton, Lithia, Mango, Plant City, Progress Village, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Sun City Center, Sydney, Thonotosassa, Valrico, Wauchula and Wimauma.