On the recommendation of one of the top trial lawyers in Texas, we engaged Mr. Watkins as the mediator for a large personal injury case. The case was exceedingly complex, involving multiple potentially liable parties and four insurance policies, each with their own representation. The stakes were high for all parties involved. Our client had incurred seven figures in medical care and demands were in excess of available limits. The policies involved – totaling $3 million in available coverage – all had carriers who were participating in the mediation under reservation of rights letters. At least one defendant had personal counsel as a result. To be candid, I was not expecting the case could settle at mediation despite the enormous risk of exposure to the defendants and their carriers. The first offers from the various defendants only confirmed my belief, but Mr. Watkins did not waiver.
Mr. Watkins spent the next 8+ hours working all the parties with hard facts, defenses, and theories of liability. It was clear he had diligently prepared and studied all mediation statements. He further proved to be one of the most knowledgeable, creative, and intelligent mediators I have ever used. He clearly understood the likely merits of the coverage defenses, was candid about them, and further was creative in working with numerous parties to facilitate movement towards a fair and final resolution.
What I believed would be a wasted day turned into a terrific outcome for all parties involved. Only twice in my 16 years of practicing law have I entered a mediation believing resolution was not possible and been wrong about that belief – my mediation with Mr. Watkins was one of them. I credit the unrelenting and creative efforts of Mr. Watkins for turning a seemingly impossible task into a reality. My client was thrilled with the outcome and I am convinced Mr. Watkins is one of the very best mediators in the State of Texas.