DAVID HORVATH, PA
TAMPA, FLORIDA

David is a Circuit Civil Mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court. He devotes his practice to providing mediation services on a full-time basis. David has practiced law as a civil trial attorney for 25 years during which he has tried numerous cases to verdict and has attended more than 1,500 mediations. He facilitates the mediation process by applying his practical experience gained from his employment at defense litigation firms and at a plaintiff's personal injury firm. David utilizes his skills of examining facts, issues, liability and damages in assisting adverse parties during settlement negotiations. He has substantial experience in analyzing risk and causation which facilitates the process of allowing the adverse parties to reach a voluntary resolution of their dispute. Prior to devoting his practice to providing full-time mediation services, David was a senior staff attorney of The Hartford Insurance Company. During his tenure, he evaluated and performed critical analysis of matters ranging from motor vehicle accidents and premises liability claims to insurance issues and products liability cases. In addition, David was active in educating his clients and peers in communication skills and mediation strategies which are essential in providing successful mediation services. Earlier in his career, David was an associate at a litigation defense firm where he gained valuable experience involving various claims including medical malpractice, nursing homes, contract disputes, civil rights, debt collection, sexual harassment, false imprisonment/false arrest, business disputes and professional negligence. David applies his skills learned from scrutinizing thousands of records involved in complex litigation to the mediation process by paying particular attention to details, narrowing the issues, identifying obstacles and focusing on the factors necessary to maintain a productive negotiating environment. David's litigation experience began during his employment at a plaintiff's personal injury law firm. The claims ranged from negligence to wrongful death. He enhanced his skills regarding communication, listening and concentration by meeting with clients, drafting demand packages and evaluating voluminous records. During mediation, David utilizes those skills by listening non-judgmentally, clarifying issues, conveying interests accurately and encouraging the participants to understand and respect the conflicting points of view presented by the parties. Generally, mediation is attended by the parties, their respective lawyers and a representative of an insurance company. With the consent of all parties, a non-party may attend the mediation. While the mediator and the participants are together in a joint session, the plaintiff's lawyer presents the case first. Then, the defendant presents the case. At the conclusion of the joint session, the mediator separates the plaintiff and the defendant into individual rooms. The parties continue to share facts, opinions and potential solutions to the dispute communicated through and facilitated by the mediator. An important element of mediation is that the dispute be resolved voluntarily by the parties. If the parties resolve the dispute, a settlement is reached. The settlement is confirmed in a written agreement signed by the parties. The agreement is binding and is enforceable by the Court. Boston University, Boston, MA (B.S. Business Administration), cum laude, 1987