As the dynamics of various industries navigate their ‘next normal’, the potential of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the world of insurance is receiving significant attention. The field of dispute resolution has often been associated with building service-oriented lives, particularly in professions where a positive impact on the community is not just a hopeful side-effect but a core ambition. This ethos is no stranger to individuals like Rebekah Ratliff, a mediator and arbitrator at JAMS.
With a background shaped by a pastor and a nurse, Ratliff’s modus operandi embodies the idea of putting service front and centre in her work. She shared her thoughts on the role of ADR in the evolving landscape of the insurance sector in a recent conversation with Insurance Business.
What’s notable about ADR is its ability to alleviate the traditional burden of litigation. In sectors such as insurance, where disputes are not uncommon, the agility and efficiency presented by ADR allow for quicker and more effective workarounds. This process is becoming highly appealing to professionals in the sector.
ADR, when correctly implemented, is based on communication, negotiation and, most importantly, mutual understanding. As industries, such as insurance, become progressively more complex and intricately woven, a tailored and humane way to resolve conflicts could be the way forward. ADR offers the potential for this transformation.
While the full impact of ADR on the insurance sector can only be seen in the progression of time, there is an undeniable curiosity piqued by its potential. It may prove transformative for the industry as professionals delve deeper and explore it further. These exploring efforts are led by individuals like Ratliff, whose commitment to not only serve but to cultivate change may lead to a new future for this sector.