If you sustain a personal injury as a result of a car accident, medical malpractice or any other form of negligence, you have the right to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party. While your first inclination might be to file a lawsuit and take the matter to court, there are other options available as well.
Choosing to use an arbiter is one alternative way to settle a legal dispute. By understanding the arbitration process and how it might benefit you as opposed to courtroom litigation, you can make an informed decision as to how you wish to pursue your personal injury settlement.
Arbitration occurs outside of court
When you choose to use an arbiter to settle your personal injury dispute, both sides will present their case to the unbiased arbiter. This entire process occurs outside of a formal courtroom, ensuring the protection of your privacy as well as a faster, less costly outcome. The arbiter will evaluate the case presented by each side and come to a decision based on the letter of the law as well as their own impartial judgment, though this decision is not necessarily legally binding.
You may treat an arbiter’s decision as binding
While an arbiter’s decision is not inherently binding, it may be if you so choose. In the event that both parties agree ahead of time to adhere to whatever judgment the arbiter makes, the final decision will go into full legal effect.
Filing a lawsuit is a common way of settling a legal dispute, but not always the best one. If you want to settle your personal injury case in a quick, quiet and effective manner, then arbitration might be the right solution for you.