COVID-19 has changed the face of nearly every aspect of society, including the way we handle disputes. Businesses and individuals who would normally handle their disputes in one fashion have found the need to adapt.
The pandemic has caused courts at all levels to delay most hearings. Some courts are shifting some of their meetings and operations to a virtual platform, whereas others are simply delaying all but the most pressing hearings until things clear up.
Running a hospital or medical practice involves more than just treating diseases or fixing broken bones. Numerous laws and regulations affect how doctors should handle patient information, bill insurers, refer patients, and so forth.
Among the most prominent laws doctors should keep in mind are the following:
ADR is short for “alternative dispute resolution,” which is a term used to describe various methods of resolving disputes without the use of litigation. ADR takes many forms, and these can each have different implications for you, your company, and your relationships with other parties.
As such, the exact meaning it has for you could vary with your situation. It could mean the preservation of a business relationship or the quick resolution of a complex dispute, for instance.
Definition and Types of ADR
Ideally, fault in an accident would be clear cut, and those responsible would pay for it. However, it’s often more complex than that. Sometimes, the injured party contributed in some way to their own injury, and even if they didn’t, those who are actually responsible may claim they did.
When someone is injured in an accident that was partially their own fault, Illinois law applies modified comparative negligence rules. These could reduce the amount received for the injury, and in some cases, it could even preclude someone from recovering damages at all.
Illinois Comparative Negligence Law
Mediation can be a relatively fast and cost-effective way to resolve a dispute, and it is typically the best solution when it comes to preserving business relationships. However, in order to be effective, you need to choose the right mediator. There are many factors to consider in this process, and we’ll discuss a few of those here.
Role of a Mediator
Mediation stands out from other forms of alternative dispute resolution because it is ultimately the disputing parties who sort out the problem, not the mediator. The mediator is simply a facilitator who assists the discussion and offers direction to help those involved reach an agreement.
Alternative dispute resolution (or ADR) has become an increasingly common way to solve differences between two parties. Given the costs and inconvenience of litigation, it’s easy to see why—ADR is often much faster and far less expensive than going to court.
The two main types of ADR are arbitration and mediation. While these two terms are often used in the same sentence, they are actually very distinct methods of dispute resolution.
Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration
One of the crucial steps in resolving a dispute through arbitration is choosing an arbitrator. In the case of a sole arbitrator, both disputing parties should agree on who will hear their case. With tribunals, both parties choose their own representative, and those two choose a chairman.
In either instance, choosing the right person is absolutely vital to the success of the hearings. A poor decision could result in a process that is far more drawn out than it should be, or it may undermine the results, making them harder to enforce. In order to ensure a good outcome, you must make a well-informed decision.
Power of Word of Mouth
How Does Illinois’s Collateral Source Rule Work?
If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligent actions, your own insurance company will often handle your medical expenses before you press charges. In many states, this could be brought against you in the course of a lawsuit. The defendant (i.e. those who were at fault) can try to use the fact that you’d already received compensation to reduce or eliminate their responsibility to pay damages.
Illinois, however, has a collateral source rule that prevents this from happening. In essence, the rule dictates that the defendant cannot submit evidence that you received compensation from a collateral source (such as your insurance company). There are a few reasons why this is beneficial to you, but it can also result in some challenges in recovering damages as well.
Most people are aware of their right to recover damages in the event of an accident. If another party is at fault for your injury, you are generally able to recover monetary compensation for the resulting costs of the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The types of damages you may be awarded are grouped into three categories—economic, noneconomic, and punitive.
These are all calculated in their own ways and often require different forms of evidence, so it’s important to understand the differences between them.
Economic Damages
How to Begin the Mediation Process
Mediation is far more efficient than litigation, and it may be more effective than arbitration in certain circumstances. The process involves a neutral third party who facilitates discussion between two clashing parties, so the results are more likely to favor both sides of the dispute. While the process is typically less formal than other forms of ADR, it does require some advance preparation.
Overcoming Deterrents
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