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If you are dealing with a personal injury lawsuit in St. Louis, your attorney will likely suggest mediation as a flexible, cooperative alternative to a trial. In Missouri—especially around St. Louis—mediation is now a common way to handle injury claims, and here is what you need to know if you’re asking, “How does mediation work?” There’s also information here about why mediation might be a good option for your case.
Mediation is a way for both sides to work things out without going to court. A neutral person, called a mediator, helps move the conversation along, but they are not there to make any decisions. They are just there to help each side explain where they are coming from, offer suggestions the parties may not have considered, and see if there is some middle ground to settle on.
One of the biggest upsides is that it gives you more say in how things turn out instead of leaving the resolution of your case up to a judge or jury. Additionally, it is private. Missouri law protects the confidentiality of the mediation process. What is said in mediation stays there and can’t be used later if the case goes to trial.
Mediation usually happens after the discovery phase of a personal injury case, once both sides have gathered evidence, talked to witnesses, and figured out the strengths and weaknesses of their claims. If both parties are open to it, they will schedule a mediation session—most last about a day.
Things start with the mediator explaining how the process works and setting a cooperative tone. Each side gives an opening statement, and then everyone discusses the case. This joint session gives both parties a chance to hear each other out directly.
After that, the mediator meets with each side privately to better understand their goals and concerns. These one-on-one talks help the mediator guide the negotiation and keep things moving. Offers and counteroffers are exchanged, and the mediator works to help both sides find common ground.
If they reach an agreement, it is written down and signed. If not, the case heads toward trial—but mediation can always be tried again later. Either way, mediation is a valuable step that allows both sides to see where they stand and explore resolution options without proceeding directly to court.
Many people are surprised by how helpful mediation can be. It is a practical way to settle a case without going through a full trial and has some genuine benefits.
Mediation usually saves time and money. Trials can take forever and come with hefty costs, but mediation tends to move faster and cost less. It is also private, which matters to clients who do not want their case details made public.
One of the biggest perks is control. Instead of leaving the outcome to a judge or jury, both sides have a say in the final agreement. The process is also less stressful since it is more about working together than arguing it out in court.
For many people, mediation offers a quicker, calmer, and more cost-effective way to settle things and move on—without the pressure and unpredictability of trial.
Sometimes, going to trial is the only option—especially if the other side is unwilling to negotiate fairly. But mediation gives both parties a shot at working things out in a more low-key, cooperative way. Trials can be unpredictable, and juries do not always see things the way you or your lawyer might expect. Mediation allows you to reach a compromise without taking on all that risk.
Mediation is particularly effective when both parties are motivated to avoid the risks of trial and willing to negotiate in good faith. If there are factual disputes that could go either way in court, or if both sides recognize the cost of prolonged litigation, mediation often presents the most sensible path forward.
That said, not every case settles. Sometimes, one party refuses to budge, or the sides are too far apart. But even in those cases, mediation can still be helpful—it often narrows the issues and lays the groundwork for future discussions.
One of the most common questions clients ask is what kind of settlement they can expect during mediation. There is no set answer since it all depends on the details of the case—things like medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, disputes over who was at fault, and how strong the evidence is. It is also common for the first offer to be quite low. But with experienced negotiators—like the attorneys at Goldblatt + Singer—you have someone pushing for a resolution that reflects the full extent of your losses.
Preparation can make a big difference going into mediation. Before the session, your attorney will walk you through your goals and help you understand what a fair settlement might look like. You will also review your case’s facts and discuss how to handle any arguments or challenges the other side might bring up.
A few simple steps can help you feel ready: gather essential documents like medical records and receipts, talk with your attorney about your settlement range, and think through your bottom line. It also helps to stay open to compromise and listen during the session. The more prepared you are, the more confident and in control you will feel throughout the process.
If you have a personal injury case in Missouri, mediation could be the quickest way to settle it. At Goldblatt + Singer, we know how it works and how to prepare you.
Fill out our online form or call us at (314) 231-4100 to talk with a Missouri personal injury attorney. Settling does not mean you have to pay for less—we are here to pursue what is fair.