by David P. Nomberg, Partner, The Nomberg Law Firm
I have mediated hundreds of workers’ compensation cases as the attorney representing the injured worker. This past week, I participated in another workers’ compensation mediation; however, I was not representing the injured worker. I served as the mediator for the parties. Wearing the “mediator hat” was a great experience and one I have been looking forward to for some time.
For those of you who may not know, mediation is when the parties come together in efforts to resolve their differences. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. Mediation is a way for the parties to resolve their dispute. For a work comp case, the parties are typically negotiating the value of the indemnity benefits, vocational benefits and whether future medical benefits will remain open or closed. Other important issues include Social Security disability benefits and Medicare’s potential interest. Most workers’ compensation claims typically end in settlement and most workers’ compensation cases that are in litigation are mediated.
An attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation claims knows the applicable law, case values and how disputes will typically be resolved by the judge. This type of knowledge and experience aides the parties and the mediation process.
As a lawyer for the injured worker, I advocate for my client during mediation. As a mediator, I worked with the parties to help them resolve their differences. The case I mediated was not unlike one that I handle on a daily basis. The parties in the case were represented by really good lawyers who know work comp and know what they are doing which made my job as mediator easier. I am grateful to the attorneys for entrusting me to mediate for them.
I look forward to mediating again soon; whether I am representing my client or serving the parties as the mediator.
For more information on mediation or workers’ compensation claims, contact the Nomberg Law Firm at (205) 930-6900 or nomberglaw.com.
David P. Nomberg has practiced workers’ compensation law in Alabama for more than 13 years. David has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell’s peer-review rating. He has been selected a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine as well as a Top Rated Attorney by B-Metro and Birmingham Magazines.