Litigation takes a long time to complete.  The escalating costs to litigate cases plus the costs of any ongoing losses and emotional stress and anxiety must always be taken into account when evaluating resolution alternatives.

The graph below demonstrates how an original $200,000 dispute could increase by 50% to $300,000 over the course of a lengthy lawsuit.

Another important consideration is the time value of money.   Simply put, a dollar received today is worth much more than a dollar received tomorrow.  In a lawsuit, you try to forecast how much money you may recover in the future - keeping in mind there is NO guarantee.  In mediation, you are given an opportunity to determine how much it might be worth for you receive a CASH settlement and final resolution of the dispute today rather than waiting to go to trial.

Should we settle? For how much?  Don't just leave it to chance.  Take a look at the resolution forecasting worksheet to help you determine and compare the time, costs and odds of litigating against entering into a mediated settlement today. 

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