INSURANCE
CLAIMS
In this
highly competitive environment, insurance companies are facing
incredible pressure to keep premium rates down. Consumers
and businesses expect reasonable rates and to have their claims
processed quickly. For both sides costs rapidly escalate
when issues arise over claims and counter-claims. Delays
and costs of a legal battle can easily get out of hand.
At ACCORD,
we are prepared to respond immediately when claims adjusters and
clients are motivated to negotiate a settlement. Whether
through mediation or arbitration, our services are local, convenient
and affordable when compared to the alternative of a costly legal
battle.
ENVIRONMENTAL
There is increasing sensitivity about the correlation
between environmental pollution and the quality of human health.
We learn about the growing number of existing and pending legislation
that hold corporations accountable for the disposal and handling
of toxic waste. We experience growing concern by communities and
local governments about environment, land-use, zoning, toxic waste
clean up, and agricultural issues. Costs associated with cleaning
a land site are enormous. In the end, everyone pays a considerable
price.
An alternative to costly and lengthy litigation, environmental
mediation is an effective means of facilitating group discussions
and debates about options and discovering what is in the best
interest of those who are affected by this contemporary issue.
Mediation and arbitration
are also expeditious and confidential processes for those interested
in negotiating settlements that are not usually released to the
general public. In addition, our professional network includes
experts and consultants who can provide guidance and support during
the mediation process.
CONTRACT
BREACH
More federal, state and local government agencies
are embracing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as the preferred
method of conflict resolution over costly litigation. This is
evident in their grievance policies and procedures manuals, as
well as contractual agreements with vendors. Contractual agreements
that include ADR clauses stipulating either mediation or arbitration
as the means to resolve contract disputes out-of-court, or misinterpretations
of contractual terms, are very common. Arbitration is especially
useful in cases involving home improvement contractors and new
home construction.
Mediation and arbitration provide individuals, businesses, organizations
and governments an alternative to resolving contract disputes
affordably, efficiently, and expeditiously.
PROPERTY
DAMAGE or REAL ESTATE MATTERS
Many times property damage claim amounts are too high for resolution
through small claims court, and too low to justify the cost of
litigation. An alternative is mediation or arbitration. Mediation
is useful when parties are likely to continue a relationship with
one another; parties negotiate their own settlement that addresses
the needs of both sides. Arbitration,
on the other hand, is useful when parties are contentious or when
their future relationship is not an important consideration. Through
arbitration, each party presents their case to the arbitrator
or panel who then makes a decision for the parties.
Mediation
or arbitration services are a viable option for home construction
disputes, home improvement disputes and disputes regarding workmanship.
LABOR
NEGOTIATIONS
When disputes arise during union contract negotiations over pay
raises, health insurance benefits and retirement plans, costs
associated with the dispute are enormous, both to the employer
and to the employees (and the families they support). Timeliness
is essential; mediation and arbitration
address this need. ACCORD is prepared to respond immediately when
unresolved disputes mean lost wages, lost revenues, lost productivity. |
