Going to court can get expensive. Is there a way to economically settle single-family home construction defect cases? There are some practices you can try out to possibly alleviate the financially burden of going to trial. All of these ideas can be extremely effective and can result in signed settlements through mediation.
- You can participate in a pre-mediation conference call. Everyone gets a chance to speak. Counsel speaks to share what is needed for optimal resolutions.
- Visit the property, even multiple times. Take photos. Get an expert’s estimate. All of these observations and figures help you go to a mediation prepared and informed and can help be the basis for a settlement.
- Have pre-mediation calls where obstacles to the settlement are discussed (ridiculous demands, no insurance, personal clashes, etc.) Counsel can help settle or diffuse things before the mediation begins.
- Decision-makers need to be at the mediation and prepared.
- Use the time to negotiate.
Through all the above tips, you can make the most out of your construction defect mediation. It’s better to manage and settle out of court if possible, if you’d like your bill to be smaller.
However, there are a variety of ways to structure the fee arrangement with your legal counsel, from paying for professional services based on time worked and costs incurred, to a contingent fee agreement. In a contingent fee agreement, you do not pay legal fees unless and until there is a recovery. Call us and our team can tell you more about fees and costs.
Found a Construction Defect in California?
If you’re a homeowner or association seeking representation in construction defect litigation, our law firm based in San Diego can help represent you.
We have more than 35 years of experience handling and winning construction defect cases. To contact us, call 844-492-7474 or visit our San Diego construction defect contact page. We work with clients in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino.
To learn more about California construction defects and the litigation process, click our San Diego construction defect litigation page
