Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Re: Self representation for a mediation

You have every right to attend the mediation, and are not under most circumstances, required to have an attorney. While it is not usually a good idea to be unrepresented, if you must, you should be prepared! Understand your case, its strengths and weaknesses, your settlement range, and the process.

Good Luck

Re: Self representation for a mediation

You don't say whether you have an attorney. If so, the attorney should be there with you. If you're the plaintiff, usually an attorney is better able to assess an offer and negotiate a settlement better than a party without an attorney can do. On the other hand, if you're a defendant, an attorney also can protect you and minimize your exposure or stonewall. That being said, if you don't have an attorney, by all means go to the mediation WITH A GAME PLAN.

Re: Self representation for a mediation

Not if you have a lawyer representing you in the case.

Re: Self representation for a mediation

Sure, you can. But why would you? I could stitch up my own cut, but I don't. Why? Primarily because it is worthwhile to have an expert do it. This is no different. You can do this yourself but you are better off with an expert there - someone who does this for a living.

Re: Self representation for a mediation

You can do whatever you want; whether it is smart or advisable is another issue.

I am a personal injury lawyer, and I did not represent myself in my own case when I had my own trip and fall injury years ago.

You should always have a lawyer representing you in Court. Go to my personal injury website located at www.thepersonalinjury.com and click on the left story; "Why I Need a Lawyer?" It discusses why you should not represent yourself in personal injury cases without a lawyer.