The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission now offers mediation services. Any party to a claim may request mediation in an attempt to resolve a dispute quickly. Mediation is not litigation. The result is not a decision in favor of one party over the other. The objective of mediation is to reach an agreement which resolves the parties' dispute.
Mediation is an informal but structured process intended to resolve disputes quickly.
Any issue can be addressed in mediation. Mediation may eliminate the need for hearing on the issue in question. All the parties must first agree to enter into mediation. Participation is completely voluntary, and a party may end the process at any time. Generally, the parties meet with the mediator either in person or by telephone.