ADRA L T E R N A T I V E

D I S P U T E

R E S O L U T I O N

WHAT P EOP L E AR E

S A Y I N G ABOU T U S

Ph: 804-205-3139

Fax: 804-823-6904

333 E. Franklin Street

Richmond, VA 23219

adr@workcomp.virginia.gov

“I think themediation

process is thesingle most

productive toolthe Commissionoffers for these

cases.”

“90% of the time,”what matters in

scheduling amediation is whenand where it might

occur.  “All of themediators are good.”

“Thanks so much foral l of your work andpatience.   I t was an

excel lent result for abad s ituat ion.”

www.workcomp.virginia.gov Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission

“The judge is just going to rule

on this one matter ...whereas a

mediator can assist the parties

in resolving whatever it is they

want to work on. That just

makes tremendous sense.”

"He made youfeel like you

were a personand you

mattered."

ORIENTATION SESSIONThis is the only ADR process that may

be ordered by a Deputy Commissioner,and usually lasts no more than 30minutes. Parties learn about their

workers' compensation options anddetermine if mediation is appropriate

for their claim.

ISSUE MEDIATION

WHAT IS MEDIATION?Mediation is an alternative disputeresolution (ADR) process in which atrained neutral mediator facilitates

communication between theparties and, without deciding the

issues or imposing a solution on theparties, enables them to understand

and reach a mutually agreeableresolution to their dispute. It helps theparties understand and recognize their

underlying needs, overlappinginterests, and areas of agreement. InVirginia, mediation is voluntary and

confidential.

It's FREESaves timeAllows parties to participate in howtheir case will be resolvedCases can be addressed flexiblyMost cases can be done by telephoneAn attorney may not be neededMost mediations result in settlement

Why ADR Benefits You

The Alternative Dispute Resolutionteam strives to provide expeditious

and efficient alternatives tolitigation for the resolution of disputes.

Our Goal

“This can be worked out.  If only they would talk to each other!”  That is theADR way:  getting people to talk to each other.

ISSUE FACILITATION FULL & FINAL MEDIATION

This voluntary process  most often addressesissues related to medical treatment, medical bills,

lost wages, mileage, and return to work. Theseissues are more complex than those handled in

Issue Facilitation. Parties can request mediation atany time and it typically occurs over the phone,

conducted by a certified mediator, either aDeputy Commissioner or a staff attorney.

Issue Facilitation provides an opportunity toresolve problems early on, without the need

for mediation or a hearing. Issues mostcommonly resolved in this form of ADR includecommunication gaps between parties, as well

as misunderstandings about bills or caseinformation. These claims are typically

resolved with just a couple of phone calls.

Full and Final Mediation is a voluntaryprocess offered to resolve entirecases. All parties must be presentand represented by an attorney.

These sessions are set for 3 hoursand are conducted by a Deputy

Commissioner Mediator.