Wrongful death mediation is defined as a structured negotiation in which a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between plaintiffs on behalf of their decedents, defendants (who may be doctors, healthcare providers, and other organizations), insurers and legal counsel 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 wrongful death disputes throughout the multiple decades that ADR Systems has been in business. These have included:

• A matter involving a hospital patient alleged to have fallen while being ambulated without a gait belt as ordered, resulting in a cranial fracture and death

• A matter arising from an automobile accident wherein the defendant’s delivery van struck the plaintiff’s vehicle and caused the death of one of the passengers

• A matter involving a 5-year-old who was struck and instantly killed by a large piece of municipal equipment while crossing the street to enter school

Parties to a wrongful death dispute experience 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.

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 wrongful death 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 wrongful death 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 wrongful death disputes.

Submit your wrongful death case through our Neutral Availability Form or Contact Form.