MEDIATION
Steve Dalesio has served as a mediator in more than 5,000 cases — and that number continues to grow. Steve takes pride in his extensive knowledge of dispute issues and expert ability to guide the parties involved through the mediation process. As a former trial attorney and litigator, Steve understands the intense pressure placed on counsel during the litigation process. The experience Steve brings to the mediation process sets him apart from other mediators. [read more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”] Mediation can be voluntary or court-ordered. Mediation in West Virginia is defined as an informal, non-adversarial process whereby a neutral third person, the mediator, assists disputing parties to resolve by agreement or examine some or all of the differences between them. A judge or hearing officer who renders a decision or who makes a recommendation to the decision-maker in the mediated case is not a neutral third person. In mediation, decision-making discretion remains with the parties; the mediator has no authority to render a judgment on any issue of the dispute.
The role of the mediator is to encourage and assist the parties to reach their own mutually acceptable resolution by facilitating communication. This helps clarify issues and interests, identifying what additional information should be collected or exchanged. It also fosters joint problem-solving, exploring resolution alternatives and other similar means. The procedures for mediation are extremely flexible, and may be tailored to fit the needs of the parties to a particular dispute. [/read]
ARBITRATION
Arbitration is ultimately another form of dispute resolution — it’s not as common as mediation, but is an effective dispute resolution method. Arbitration seeks to fairly resolve a dispute by an impartial third party who provides a binding determination in the settlement of the claim(s). Both parties have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments before the determination is made. [read more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”] Steve will ensure the right evidence is prepared for your case. This makes the process more flexible and saves you time and money. You can place your trust and confidence in Steve as your arbitrator to understand the evidence being presented and to apply the evidence to the decision or award to be rendered. Steve has served as an arbitrator on numerous occasions in both state and federal compulsory arbitrations, contractual arbitrations and voluntary arbitrations.[/read]
CONSULTATION
Steve is often retained as a consultant to provide insight, analysis and opinions on a multitude of issues including insurance bad faith and insurance coverage, deliberate intent and wrongful death. He has also been retained as a claims administrator for class action cases to oversee payments, provide notice to all beneficiaries under the class and to ensure that payments are made in a timely manner.