Litigation Alternatives, Inc. is a full-service Alternative Dispute Resolution in Connecticut(CT)
Litigation Alternatives, Inc. Fee Schedule-Effective 10/5/11
HEARING FEES
PERSONAL INJURY CASES
Standard Personal Injury Cases {Mediations and Arbitrations} - $600.00 per party. This fee covers the Mediator or Arbitrator's fees and costs for the first three (3) hours including time spent in file review. Ground rule negotiations, scheduling, paperwork, arrangements for conference rooms, postponements and post-hearing follow up are included in this charge. Certain neutrals charge higher hourly fees. These higher fees and other incurred fees or costs will be disclosed to all parties prior to scheduling whenever possible.
"Simplistic/Small" ARBITRATIONS - $500.00 per party for the first three (3) hours. Because it is NOT our policy to charge parties a fee determined by case value, the simplicity of the arbitration, the amount of time anticipated for review and preparation for the decision will be taken into account when making this determination.
Additional Time - For cases involving three (3) parties or less, additional time over three (3) hours will be billed at a minimum of $300.00 per hour and divided equally "or equitably when circumstances dictate" between the parties. Where four (4) or more parties participate, additional hours will be billed at $100.00 per hour per party.
Multi-Party Apportionment Cases - $400.00 per party for the first three (3) hours - In order to make this service cost effective in cases where minimal policies are apportioned between claimants, costs may be adjusted for attorneys representing multiple claimants. Defendants who submit a case, but choose not to participate will not be charged.
PER DIEM CHARGES - Parties will initially be charged for the first six (6) hours and subsequently billed on an hourly basis (See above). When a mediation or arbitration is ongoing and where the mediator or arbitrator's unpaid hours have accrued, an interim payment may be required prior to continuation of scheduling.
OTHER CASES
COMMERCIAL, EMPLOYMENT, HEALTHCARE, etc.
Standard Cases - $700.00 to $1,050.00 per party for the first three (3) hours. Initial Fees are determined by a combination of Hearing Officer Fees hourly rates and case subject matter and will be disclosed prior to invoicing, when outside the parameters set out above.
Additional Time - For cases involving three (3) parties or less, additional time over three (3) hours will be billed at a minimum $325.00 per hour and divided equally (or equitably when circumstances dictate) between the parties. Where four (4) or more parties participate additional hours will be billed at $125.00 per hour per party.
PER DIEM CHARGES - Parties will initially be charged for the first six (6) hours and subsequently billed on an hourly basis (See above). When a mediation or arbitration is ongoing and where the mediator or arbitrator's unpaid hours have accrued, an interim payment may be required prior to continuation of scheduling.
PLEASE NOTE:
ESTIMATED PAYMENTS DUE FOR SCHEDULED HEARINGS ARE DUE PRIOR TO THE HEARING. ANY OVERPAYMENT WILL BE PROMPTLY REFUNDED. CONVERSELY, SUPPLEMENTAL INVOICES WILL BE SENT OUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
LITIGATION ALTERNATIVES, INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL SCHEDULED HEARINGS WHERE ESTIMATED PAYMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN PAID.
Because services are provided in many areas of the law, fees will likely depend more on the hourly rates of the neutrals. Litigation Alternatives, Inc. does NOT determine fees based on case value other than as noted above. WE ATTEMPT TO ADHERE TO OUR FEE SCHEDULE AS ARTICULATED IN ORDER TO KEEP COSTS DOWN, HOWEVER HIGHER FEES CANNOT BE RULED OUT.
OTHER FEES
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES - All administration fees are built into our fee structure. In certain instances based on time considerations, an administrative fee may become necessary and will be disclosed prior to billing.
POSTPONEMENT FEE/S - As a general rule, there are no postponement fees. However, Litigation Alternatives, Inc reserves the right to require prepayment of unpaid hearing fees on a case prior to rescheduling a hearing when one party has called multiple postponements of a scheduled hearing. Additionally, in certain situations such as post-scheduling case withdrawal, a fee may be charged for cost reimbursement.
PRE-HEARING SETTLEMENT OR CANCELLATION FEES - $375.00 per party for half day cases and $500.00 per party for full day cases plus incurred Mediator/Arbitrator charges. This fee is applicable when a case settles or is permanently cancelled prior to the hearing date though only a nominal fee will be charged when cancellation is well in advance of the hearing.
All unearned hearing fees are held in an Escrow Account until services are rendered.
A FULL FEE will be charged for all cancellations within one week of a scheduled hearing.
CONSULTATION FEES REGARDING TRAINING AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES - Our consultants or case managers will disclose all fees and expected costs prior to commencement of service.
HARDSHIP AND PRO BONO FEES - Where a hearing fee causes a hardship or representation is pro bono, please contact Robert G. Yolles to discuss any fee adjustment proposal.