FINISH LITIGATION COORDINATION PRODUCTION NO DEPOSITION EXAMINATION ARBITRATION MEDIATION PREPARATION ADJUDICATION RESOLUTION DISTRIBUTION LITIGATION Litigation begins with the plaintiff suing the responsible parties, the defendants. COORDINATION Case managers and paralegals work with the lawyer on the case. PRODUCTION There are several phases of“discovery,” including the production of written documentation by both sides. DEPOSITION The lawyers take deposi- tions – testimony under oath – from parties and witnesses. EXAMINATION The defendant’s insurance company has their doctor examine the plaintiff. ARBITRATION A case may be submitted to non-binding arbitration and if both parties agree to the decision, the case settles. MEDIATION Both parties can agree to mediation, which is negotiation facilitated by a neutral third party. PREPARATION Many settlements come only after a considerable amount of time and money have been spent preparing for trial. ADJUDICATION When the parties cannot reach a settlement, the case proceeds to trial and is decided by a judge or jury. RESOLUTION The case resolves by exchanging a written release of all claims for a settlement check. DISTRIBUTION Settlement funds are distributed from the personal injury lawyer’s trust account. SHOULD I SETTLE? YES