What Is Arbitration?

If the injured party believes their damages are not more than $50,000.00, the case can be arbitrated rather than tried to a judge or jury.

An arbitration is similar to a trial, in that the attorneys give opening statements, put on their witnesses, cross-examine the other attorney’s witnesses, and give a closing argument. Also, just like a trial, the attorneys can submit evidence and make objections.

Unlike a trial, an arbitration is not in a courtroom and does not take place in front of a judge or jury. Instead, an arbitrator (an experienced attorney) presides over the arbitration, which takes place in a conference room at a law office.

In both a trial and an arbitration, after all of the evidence is presented, the judge, jury, or arbitrator will make a ruling on the issues in the case, such as: who was at fault for the Plaintiff’s injuries and what is a fair compensation to make the Plaintiff whole.

Attorney at Law

Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.