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| Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services |
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 The insurance industry is a people and relationship business and with ever increasing consolidation amongst insurance buyers and within the carriers and broker community too, there has never been a more important time than now to preserve such relationships and do whatever is possible to maintain valued partnerships.
There are various times during the life of a commercial relationship when things become tense and volatile. There can be disputes between a broker and their client or between a carrier and a broker, often over matters such as the unintentional ommision of a material fact during the underwriting stage or a disagreement over policy liability/quantum for a major claim.
We all know that there comes a point when achieving a resolution to a dispute becomes an unlikely prospect and referral to litigation looks like the only way forward. If a case goes all the way to court, one party will win, one will lose and they are unlikely to want to do business with each other in the future. The effect of litigation can be far more profound than simply losing an account and it's consequential loss of revenue. The potential reputational damage, although not always easy to quantify, can have far more impact in the short and medium term. At the end of the day, our industry is built on trust and respect between all the parties involved in a transaction and when that breaks down, the direct and indirect financial consequences can be significant.
One way of mitigating this risk is to use mediation as a tool to resolve a dispute, before referral to the court is even considered. Mediation is fast becoming a mainstream dispute resolution tool, in an attempt to preserve relationships, limit costs and have the matter dealt with quickly and without media attention.
Roger Oldham, founder of Amethyst, has held senior claims posts in the London Insurance Market. Whilst Claims Director at Aon, he was personally responsible for case managing many complex and contentious claims around the globe. From there, Roger went on to qualify as a mediator at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in Bloomsbury Square London, following which he was involved in a number of significant mediations in the property, energy and construction sectors.
Why mediation?
- Many courts seek confirmation, before a trial begins, that alternative dispute resolution techniques have at least been attempted.
- Mediation is successful - it is estimated that 4 out of every 5 mediations result in a successful outcome for all parties.
- The costs involved in mediation are usually a small fraction of those that would have been incurred, if the case had ended up in the courts.
- Proceedings are quick and 100% confidential - no waiting, no media coverage.
- All parties win, providing there is a willingness to compromise a little on each side.
Why Amethyst Mediation?
Roger Oldham has built up a wealth of knowledge in this arena, in particular in resolving property, energy and construction
 related insurance disputes - he understands the perspective of the buyer and of the insurance market. Having worked as a senior insurance claims practitioner and executive, Roger can combine this experience with his knowledge of mediation, insurance policy construction and contract law, to bring about a satisfactory conclusion to most disputes. We can also facilitate mediation in others such employment/contractual disputes. Call us today, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. |
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