How ADR Can be Used to Resolve Mass Disaster and Insurance Claims

John Pardun, National Business Development Director, JAMS, USA

After wildfires tore through San Diego County in 2007, more than 2,000 law suits were filed against San Diego Gas & Electric by more than 5,000 plaintiffs. Parties included individuals, the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, Cal FIRE, the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department and multiple insurance carriers and underwriters. With limited court resources available for such massive litigation, plaintiffs, defendants, cross-defendants and the court were eager to find another way to resolve the disputes. What emerged was a highly sophisticated mediation program that, so far, has resulted in 98 percent of the cases settling and recovery of more than $800 million.

JAMS, Founded in 1979, The Resolution Experts is the largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services worldwide. With Resolution Centers nationwide and abroad, JAMS and its more than 300 exclusive neutrals are responsible for resolving thousands of the world’s important cases. JAMS may be reached at 800-352-5267 or by visiting www.jamsadr.com

John T. Pardun is National Business Development Director at JAMS, the world’s largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services. He is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for JAMS national initiatives, particularly with regard to mass tort, large class action and settlement claims adjudication matters. Mr. Pardun is a graduate of Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and a member of the State Bar of California. He can be reached at jpardun@jamsadr.com.