Avoid Litigation with Mediation

Sometimes it is possible to resolve a dispute without litigation, an alternative path may be the best way for you to move forward. For example, mediation is a solution for many. A confidential process, mediation is when a third party, someone neutral such as a judge or other experienced legal professional, listens to both of the parties involved in the dispute. They can assess the situation and help the parties work towards a settlement amount both can accept.

Are you an Ohio employee who has a complaint in connection with a hostile work environment or are you coping with a wage dispute? Mediation may be the best way to settle, avoiding expense and the stress of a trial. When you share the details of your story with a Columbus employment attorney, they can provide you with details on the different options you may have and recommend what they view as the best path forward.

Some of the Reasons Why Employees Choose Mediation

There are many reasons for employment disputes, but they often revolve around the employer and the employee seeing a situation from a different viewpoint. If you have a dispute but want to work toward preserving your professional relationship with the organization, mediation may be helpful. After all, it is a way to resolve an issue through communication, with a neutral third party overseeing the negotiations.

That said, it is advisable to have an experienced attorney with you through the mediation process. While you may be open to cooperation and a settlement, you still want to maximize your results and protect your interests.

Confidentiality is also a concern for individuals moving forward with an employment dispute. There are often instances when the negotiations will bring up behaviors that may be unseemly. Either on the part of the employee, the employer, or both. With mediation, both the worker and the organization involved can choose to keep the process secret. Then, resolutions and settlements will not be public record, which they are when an issue goes to court.

Timeframes May Also Need to Be Considered

In most instances, when an employee moves forward with a formal complaint, the person will be offered an option to mediate. This is true when a worker files with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), for example. Part of the reason this option is brought to the table is it can save the parties a lot of time. If a worker wants to resolve the issue and move past the dispute, they can choose mediation and save the time that would have been used to prepare statements, consult witnesses, and get ready for court, which can take months or years.

There are times when a trial is the best way to establish justice. In other situations, mediation can resolve disputes. When you talk over your case with a Columbus employment attorney, they can advise you on how to move forward.

Have you considered mediation to resolve your Ohio employment dispute? Contact the employment attorneys at Coffman Legal LLC today. We are strong and committed advocates for all Ohio workers and use our experience and knowledge to help you. Call 614-949-1181 for a free and confidential consultation.