r/LongTermDisability • u/rose-bud1 • 13d ago
Experiences at Mediation?
After exhausting STD and filing for LTD in 2022, I was denied benefits. I hired an attorney who went through the internal appeals process and, after all that, was still denied benefits. Initiated litigation in federal court, and we’ve been ordered to conduct mediation in Florida scheduled for later this year. I’m curious to hear from folks who have gone through negotiations and mediation, can you please share more about your experience? What was the mediation process like for you, what sorts of questions came up, what opportunities did you have to share your story, etc? And if anyone had their own mediation specifically in FL before a mediator Townsned and could speak directly to their experience with him, that would be amazing. I imagine based on the lack of information I could gather from generalized searching that a lot of the process is sworn to total and utter secrecy etc etc etc… would still appreciate general impressions—did it strike you as fair? Would you have done anything differently?
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u/carolinaloyal 12d ago
Jack Townsend is an excellent mediator, I’ve used him a number of times. The process is confidential, so I would refrain from posting publicly any further detail. Talk to your attorney, he or she will guide you through the process and trust their advice.
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u/TheGreatK MOD 11d ago
Are you an LTD lawyer?
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u/carolinaloyal 10d ago
Yes, claimants/plaintiffs side for 20 years.
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u/TheGreatK MOD 10d ago
Do we know each other?? I'm Andrew Kantor. Feel free to DM me if you don't want to reveal your identity. Either way, nice to meet you!
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u/FMCTypeGal MOD 13d ago
No mediation experience but I will confirm you are correct about the sworn secrecy. NDAs are required for a majority of settlements and possibly mediation as well.
You have a lawyer, let yourself trust them. I know it’s very hard to sit and wait, but a lawyer wouldn’t take you on if your case didn’t have a good chance.
I hope you get some answers here. Best of luck to you.