Depending upon the facts of your case, our Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach property damage lawyers may suggest mediation to reach a fair settlement with the insurer. If the insurer does not agree to your rightful compensation, our attorneys may pursue an award through binding appraisal instead. We may also advise you to take your case to trial in certain circumstances.
Your insurance policy may require you to first attempt a settlement through mediation. Even if your contract does not specifically mandate this dispute resolution method, you may benefit from mediation in several ways, including:
Appraisal is a process in which the policyholder and the insurer each retain an appraiser/advocate. The chosen appraisers then mutually select a neutral third appraiser who makes a binding determination as to the value of your loss. An appraisal can usually be set much sooner than a trial and the proceedings are conducted more expeditiously. Hence, appraisal may be a positive choice for recovering your benefits. Also, you may have an appraisal clause in your insurance contract that requires use of this binding dispute resolution technique for certain disputes.
If we believe it is in your best interests, we recommend litigation to recover a judgment against the insurer. Our trial attorneys have substantial courtroom experience and take a strategic approach to litigation. In the past, we have defended insurance companies and can therefore view the process from the insurer’s perspective. Our lawyers remain mindful of the costs and time of litigation to you and your company and take appropriate steps to minimize interference with your business operations until the conclusion of your claim.
Saavedra-Goodwin advises on whether to mediate, engage in appraisal or litigate your claim. Our Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach property damage lawyers have the extensive experience to make strategic decisions in your case. Schedule a consultation about your insurance claim by calling (954) 767-6333 or contacting our firm online.
Mr. Saavedra is the managing partner of the firm, which he established in 1988. Born in Havana, Cuba, Mr. Saavedra is fluent in English and Spanish. He received his B.A. in 1979 from the University of Connecticut and his J.D. in 1986 from the George Washington National Law Center. Mr. Saavedra has served as Secretary and Director for the Inter-American Businessmen Association and co-authored “An Introduction to the Settlement of Unresolved Property Claims against the Cuban Government.” Mr. Saavedra also served as Staff Assistant for Congressman William Lehman in Washington, D.C. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]