Class action mediation is defined as a structured negotiation in which a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between plaintiffs and similarly situated persons, defendant business entities, legal counsel and, at times, insurance representatives to reach a mutually agreeable resolution to a dispute, which is called a settlement agreement. Unlike litigation, mediation fosters open communication and collaboration, helping parties find solutions that address legal, financial and emotional concerns. Parties control the outcome of the negotiation process, and their settlement agreement is enforceable in court, acting as a contract.

Our panel of retired judges and seasoned attorneys have settled numerous class action disputes throughout the multiple decades that ADR Systems has been in business. These have included:

 

• A variety of disputes involving alleged Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) violations, such as the improper collection, use, storage and retention of biometric identifiers and information without informed written consent, the disclosure and dissemination of that data without proper consent and defendants’ failure to create publicly available retention schedules and destruction guidelines for such data

• A dispute involving claims of negligence and breaches of state laws and local regulations that arose from a prolonged, three-week power outage, forcing many residents out of their homes and resulting in property damage and thefts from unsecured residences

• A dispute involving an E-Coli outbreak, complicated insurance coverage issues and over 4,500 claims

Parties to a class action dispute enjoy various advantages when they mediate it at ADR Systems.

Faster Resolutions: Mediation can resolve disputes in weeks or months rather than years, reducing the time burden on plaintiffs and defendants

Cost Savings: Avoiding lengthy court battles saves money otherwise spent on legal fees, expert witness costs and administrative expenses.

Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, mediation is confidential, protecting reputations and sensitive information.

Reduced Stress: Mediation fosters a collaborative rather than adversarial atmosphere, reducing emotional strain for all involved.

Greater Control: Mediation removes the uncertainty and risk associated with litigation, where outcomes can be all-or-nothing; both parties have a say in the outcome of the case rather than leaving the decision in the hands of a judge or jury.

Preserved Relationships: Open dialogue allows parties to maintain professional relationships when possible.

Experienced Neutrals: ADR Systems’ panel of mediators consists of retired judges and seasoned attorneys with decades of hands-on knowledge of the disputes before them and an ardent passion for resolving them.

Mediation is a practical solution for many class action disputes. It is particularly beneficial when parties seek a resolution that prioritizes confidentiality, expediency and cost-effectiveness.

If you are representing clients involved in a class action dispute and want to pursue mediation as an alternative to litigation, explore our Find A Neutral page to review the bios of mediators with experience mediating class action disputes.

Submit your class action case through our Neutral Availability Form or Contact Form.