Is it possible to settle a slip and fall case out of court?

Yes, it is possible to settle a slip and fall case out of court in California. This is called an "alternative dispute resolution (ADR)." There are several ways to settle out of court: through private negotiations between the parties, or through a form of ADR such as mediation or arbitration. Negotiations are private conversations between the parties and their attorneys, where they discuss the details of the case and come to an agreement on how to settle the dispute. Mediation is a process where both parties, with their attorneys, meet with a neutral third party called a "mediator." The mediator helps the parties reach an agreement on their own. Arbitration is similar to mediation, except that the neutral third party is an arbitrator instead of a mediator. The arbitrator is typically a lawyer or retired judge, who is qualified by the court to resolve disputes. The arbitrator hears both sides of the case and makes a binding decision, which is also called an "award." In either process, the parties may enter negotiations and come to a mutually agreed-upon solution. The terms of the settlement are then put into writing and become a binding agreement. This written agreement, which usually includes an agreement to pay compensation, is then signed by both parties. Settling out of court may be advantageous for both parties, as it often takes less time and money than going through the court system. However, it is important to discuss the details of the settlement with an attorney before signing an agreement.

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