One increasing trend in personal injury law in North Carolina is using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. ADR methods such as mediation and arbitration offer a way to resolve legal disputes more quickly and efficiently than going to trial, which can be costly and time-consuming.
More North Carolina personal injury cases, have been settled through ADR methods in recent years. In mediation, a neutral third party helps the parties negotiate a settlement agreement that is acceptable to all parties. In arbitration, a neutral third party acts as a judge and decides the case’s outcome, which is typically binding.
One reason for the increasing trend in ADR is the recognition that it can provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes. Mediation and arbitration typically take less time and cost less than going to trial. This can be particularly important in personal injury cases, where the injured party may need compensation quickly to pay for medical bills and other expenses.
Another reason for the trend is the increasing backlog of cases in North Carolina courts. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in court proceedings, exacerbating the backlog. As a result, more parties are turning to ADR to resolve their disputes more quickly and efficiently.
Overall, the increasing use of ADR in North Carolina personal injury law is a positive trend that benefits all parties involved. By resolving disputes outside of the courtroom, injured parties can receive compensation more quickly, and defendants can avoid the cost and uncertainty of a trial.