# What Legal Alternatives Do You Have Besides Going To Court? | Edelman, Krasin & Jaye ![Lawyer meeting with a man and a woman at a conference table](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/EKJpic1_1000x749.jpg) # What Legal Alternatives Do You Have Besides Going To Court? Did you know that [roughly 95% of cases](https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20most%20recently,in%20a%20pre%2Dtrial%20settlement.) settle before trial? Understandably, you want justice, but taking your case to a formal trial often takes more time, money, and effort than it’s worth. Many other resolution methods can help you get your desired result before reaching the courtroom. ## Advantages Of An Out-Of-Court Resolution Choosing an out-of-court resolution to settle your case is an ideal option in most situations. Here are a few of the main benefits: ### You’ll Save Time A trial is a lengthy process that could often take years to finalize a decision. But when the two parties negotiate something out of court, they can settle the case in a few weeks or less. If you want to put this problem behind you as quickly as possible, out-of-court settlements are your best option. ### Lower Costs The longer the case goes on, the more you’ll have to pay to continue the process. This is why settling before a case goes to trial can be a more cost-effective way to find a solution to your problem while saving thousands on expensive legal fees. Depending on the ADR you choose, some methods can range from being completely free to a few thousand dollars at most. ### A More Predictable Outcome Even if your case goes to trial, you still have no control over the court’s final decision. However, settling outside the courtroom gives attorneys more flexibility to negotiate clear terms that satisfy both parties. For a free legal consultation, call [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) ## 3 Common Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADRs) To Consider [Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADRs)](https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/labor-relations/adr#:~:text=The%20term%20alternative%20dispute%20resolution,reaching%20agreement%20and%20avoiding%20litigation.) are any settlement options both parties agree to help reach a solution that benefits them with the help of an intermediary and their lawyers. ADRs were created to help you and the defendant devise a voluntary agreement without going to court. Here are the three most common forms of ADRs available: ### Face-To-Face Negotiations Direct negotiations are the most common and cost-effective. All you need to do is discuss everything with the other party and sign an agreement to settle the issue. Unlike trials, negotiations allow you and the defendant to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. ### Mediation A [mediation resolution](https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/mediation/dispute-resolution-how-mediation-unfolds/) has specific guidelines both parties need to follow, including who will be present and the meeting’s location. A mediator’s goal is to create a neutral space for the affected parties to discuss their viewpoints and reach an official agreement. Even if they can’t make any decisions, a mediator can still give objective advice to both parties to help them solve the problem. ### Arbitration While [arbitration](https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/4-107-6426?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true) may seem similar to the mediation process, the arbitrator makes the final decision, which is usually legally binding. Both parties have their lawyers present, and the process is more similar to a trial than other resolution styles. Arbitration is also more expensive than other options, but still cheaper and faster than going to court. ## Our Professional Lawyers Can Help You Decide What’s Best In most civil cases, a formal trial should be the last resort to resolve your issue. The legal system has many options for you and the defendant to reach a solution that satisfies you. But regardless of your choice, having a professional lawyer present will help you negotiate favorable terms. If you have more questions about how to settle your claim, our experienced [personal injury lawyers](https://ekjlaw.com/) will help you decide what the best option is for your situation. Call us at (866) 574-0825 or fill out our [online contact form](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) to schedule your free trial consultation today. Call or text [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![Personal Injury: To Settle or Not Settle](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/pi-to-settle-or-not-settle/) ### [Personal Injury: To Settle or Not Settle](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/pi-to-settle-or-not-settle/) There are many questions that arise after a person has suffered an injury due to someone’s negligence and in most [![ER Doctors Are Treating Increasing Numbers of Cycling Injuries](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/er-doctors-are-treating-increasing-numbers-of-cycling-injuries/) ### [ER Doctors Are Treating Increasing Numbers of Cycling Injuries](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/er-doctors-are-treating-increasing-numbers-of-cycling-injuries/) The number of emergency room visits due to bicycle-related injuries has risen sharply in recent years, according to [![High Risks to Babies and Mothers from Forceps and Vacuum Delivery, Study Shows](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/high-risks-to-babies-and-mothers-from-forceps-and-vacuum-delivery-study-shows/) ### [High Risks to Babies and Mothers from Forceps and Vacuum Delivery, Study Shows](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/high-risks-to-babies-and-mothers-from-forceps-and-vacuum-delivery-study-shows/) Babies delivered with forceps or vacuum extraction are 80% more likely to suffer injuries and death than those [![8 Ways You Can Get Seriously Injured on a Cruise Ship](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/themes/edelman-child/assets/app/img/default-image.webp)](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/8-ways-you-can-get-seriously-injured-on-a-cruise-ship/) ### [8 Ways You Can Get Seriously Injured on a Cruise Ship](https://ekjlaw.com/blog/8-ways-you-can-get-seriously-injured-on-a-cruise-ship/) Most people associate cruise ships with fun and leisure. You can bask in the sun. Gaze out over the ocean. Enjoy --- Source: https://ekjlaw.com/faqs/what-legal-alternatives-do-you-have-besides-going-to-court/