CYBERSETTLE: firm keys into on-line dispute resolution

Norwich-based law firm Steeles is at the forefront of a new on-line dispute resolution system that aims to reduce personal injury settlement negotiations by six months.

The system, known as Cybersettle, condenses the negotiation process between claimant personal injury lawyers and insurers, and aims to cut out months of correspondence.

It is intended to be made available to all members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Under the system, solicitors input the range of compensation level they would accept, while insurers submit three offers simultaneously.

The offers go through the system one by one and the matter is settled when an offer comes within the lawyer's agreed parameters (allowing for a 20% variance).

The whole system is run 'double blind', so that lawyers do not know the value of any unsuccessful offers, and insurers are not aware of what limits the lawyer has set.

Steeles is acting as the sales and marketing arm for Cybersettle in the UK.

Managing partner Philip Hyde said: 'Our interest in this initiative is based on the sound business principles behind the project.

The system will enable lawyers and insurance companies to obtain quickly a fair settlement.

'This is a proven process in America that is used by the major insurers, law firms, third-party administrators and municipalities.'

The Cybersettle system was introduced in North America in 1998 and is the official on-line settlement tool of the Association of Trial Lawyers America and Canadian Bar Association.

So far it has settled more than 75,000 cases valued at more than $500 million (273 million) in total.

Rachel Rothwell