Hurricane Ian and Disaster Mediation

We have all been affected by natural disasters, either directly or indirectly. We also know the future will likely bring more natural disasters. Accordingly, there is now and forevermore a disaster industry in which mediators will certainly play an important role facilitating decision-making among insureds, insurance carriers and government agencies. The importance of a mediator after a natural disaster is not only important because recent disasters such as Hurricane Ian reminds us that such tragedies can and do happen, but also because natural disasters tend to highlight areas that need more preparation and coordination for addressing and resolving the conflicts and problems that follow in a disaster’s wake. Natural disasters result not only in physical and financial damage, but also result in psychological and emotional damage, which can be equally as devastating.

When survivors of a natural disaster are finally allowed to return home, they must face the devastation to their environment, to everything that was once familiar to them. Nightmares can result, feelings of guilt that your home survived but your neighbor's did not, the daunting task of having to rebuild. However, there is also hope in the thought of rebuilding. This hope must be fostered by mediators who assist people in rebuilding after a disaster. A properly trained mediator is compassionate while keeping parties moving forward with regard to the task at hand. Tasks such as negotiating for an insurance payout, timing for new construction, and obtaining much needed assistance from the state and federal government.

Although it is incredibly rare to experience a hurricane in California, we have other disasters that occur. Whether it is a natural disaster or personal disaster, consider using the services of a mediator to facilitate issues involving insurance, settlement of a lawsuit, distribution of an estate, finalizing a custody and visitation schedule, resolving an HOA dispute or property dispute, or mending relationships with neighbors or family. Contact our office to see how we can help.

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IAN. WE HOPE EVERYONE QUICKLY RECEIVES THE FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL RESOURCES THEY NEED TO START REBUILDING.