And, where possible, he says apologies must be offered in a timely fashion. If an airplane has crashed, for the airline to apologize the next day before the investigation would be premature. In his article, Shuman explains how the law already excludes apologies as evidence of liability when offered during settlement negotiations. In fact, mediators report that offers of apologies resolve disputes faster, and often an apology reduces a damage claim significantly. Shuman cites the example of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, which apologized during settlement talks for failing to protect the sexual abuse of young boys by one of its priests.
Apologies often have meaning and value to the plaintiffs.
They provide them with comfort.