On June 2, 2020, Judge Karen K. Hall in Madison County, Alabama issued an Order on plaintiff’s motion for sanctions. The court, after careful consideration, granted plaintiff’s motion because Allstate failed to abide by the court’s referral to mediation. The court concluded that Allstate did not participate in the mediation in good faith.
The criminal sanctions were reversed in subsequently reversed.
The court's opinion underscores the importance of attending mediations in good faith, and the necessity of communication with all counsel. Entering mediation with proper preparation is vital to the process not only for resolving the case, but also in avoiding potential sanctions.