Alternative Dispute Resolution in Los Angeles, CA is not like ADR in other states. Why not, you ask? Well because people in Los Angeles seem to have different priorities when it comes to resolving disputes.
We are so set on filing a lawsuit against our perceived opposition that thinking outside the box never crosses our minds. We are bombarded by advertisements for attorney services and the high dollar settlements, which many times are possible only through mediation. Personal injury cases and breach of contract cases present their own set of challenges and of course the defendants and the plaintiffs want to have someone fight for them! Sounds familiar? However, in the end when the case gets settled by your attorney and you the results are almost the same except for all the legal fees you need to pay.
Don’t get me wrong, there are thousands of instances when you need a lawyer, but many times you can attempt to settle first and then sue. It is in this particular order that our dispute resolution system should work in Los Angeles and everywhere else. Mediate, don’t litigate – unless you absolutely have to.
In many other states, which have a smaller number of suites a more tight niche population, suing someone like your neighbor is still frowned upon. Everything is being done in order to avoid a lawsuit. Whether it be a credit card lawsuit or a neighbor dispute. People still care about each other and try to save face anyway they can. I hope one day we will too.
