What Happens at an Arbitration?

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Distinguished as a New York Super Lawyer and American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year, and His Team of Aggressive, Tenacious, and Hardworking Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Fight to Obtain the Best Result for Victims Seriously Injured in Accidents in Buffalo, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; Rochester, New York; Throughout New York State and Beyond.

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Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which lawyers for both the plaintiff and defendant present evidence and make arguments supporting their respective sides of the case. The private hearing is relatively fast-moving and extremely cost-efficient compared to trying a case in court. Arbitrations are less formal compared to trials and usually take place in conference rooms. Unlike mediation, the parties of arbitration are not involved in devising a resolution. Instead, an arbitrator examines and reviews all of the evidence presented before deciding a case’s outcome. An arbitrator is a neutral decision-maker, similar to a judge, that is mutually agreed upon by the parties or selected from a predetermined list. The arbitrator determines the overall liability, whether the plaintiff is entitled to recover damages, and how much is recoverable.

Very few people ever anticipate being involved in an accident or suffering severe injuries. After a victim sustains an injury due to another’s negligence or recklessness, it is completely natural to be angry and even confused. Nevertheless, it is imperative to protect your legal rights and entitlement to obtain compensation. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party may be the only way to start recovering and rebuilding your life. Even the slightest misstep could easily result in a tougher settlement process, significantly less money, or even a failed claim. If you, or a loved one, were unfortunate enough to be seriously injured in an accident, you may be unsure about your next step. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s compassionate team recognizes the emotional trauma, financial difficulties, and other impediments that you may be enduring. While arbitration is not appropriate in every case, our highly experienced attorneys can help decide whether arbitration is suitable for your claim.

Jed Dietrich, Esq., acclaimed as an Attorney and Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney, believes that no one should have to suffer due to another’s carelessness or irresponsibility. Since 1999, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has exclusively handled serious personal injury cases. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. possesses the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively guide you through your case and ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation for your injuries and resulting damages. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has dedicated his career to fighting for the justice of personal injury victims. Throughout the years, we have successfully represented countless clients in various settlements, mediations, arbitrations, and trials. We offer complimentary lawsuit evaluations and consultations. Our veteran attorneys would be honored to speak with you about your case. Our best of the best team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (716) 839-3939, or by filling out the online consultation form.

Proper Preparation for an Arbitration

Without a doubt, proper preparation for arbitration is not just necessary but indispensable to the successful resolution of a case. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested attorneys prepare for an arbitration submission with the same level of dedication and determination we would prepare for a trial. Generally, our arbitration submission package will include all documents that are needed for the arbitrator to reach his or her decision. Essential documents often include photographs and videos, police reports, operative and diagnostic reports, any treating doctor’s records and recommendations, independent medical evaluations (IMEs), hospital bills, and receipts for related damages. Presenting a case to an arbitrator is much different from presenting in front of a jury. Whereas members of the jury are typically unfamiliar with the law and driven by emotion, an arbitrator’s decisions have little to do with emotion. Thus, our elite attorneys tend to address arbitrators in a precise, logical, well-thought-out manner. The goal is to highlight the strengths of our case and weaknesses in the defense’s arguments.

Before any proceeding, our veteran attorneys thoroughly prepare our clients for the arbitration process. Clients must know exactly what to expect and the best way to react. We will go over in detail the client’s complaint, allegations, and deposition. Additionally, we will review the client’s medical records and discuss any potential issues. The client needs to understand how the defense lawyer will likely use the evidence we present and questions he or she is likely to ask during cross-examination. The last thing our expert arbitration lawyers want is for a client to be surprised or completely caught off guard.

What Happens at an Arbitration?

Arbitrations are very similar to trials in that each party gets to present their side of the case. Although the procedures are much less formal, arbitrations are structured similarly to mini-trials. Each side presents an opening statement in which they clarify their version of the matters at stake. After that, both sides put forward evidence to show what happened to cause the accident and resulting injuries. The plaintiff will testify under oath, explaining how the accident happened, why the other party is at fault, and the resulting damages incurred. Often other witnesses, such as bystanders and family members, will provide testimonies before the arbitrator too. The defense is also allowed to call witnesses. Both the plaintiff and defense can cross-examine one another’s witnesses. Finally, both parties have the opportunity to present a closing argument, in which they state the decision that they would like the arbitrator to reach. In some cases, the arbitrator may not decide the case on the spot. Arbitrators often make their decisions at a later date after assessing all the evidence and deliberating on the case. Plaintiffs can typically expect a written decision within a few business days. When both the plaintiff and defendant agree to binding arbitration, the arbitrator’s decision will be final, and it is not appealable.

If you, or a loved one, were seriously injured in an accident, you may be uncertain about your course of action. Allow Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his team of leading personal injury accident lawyers to handle your claim and obtain the compensation that you deserve. We are determined, disciplined, and dedicated to obtaining the best possible results for those suffering personal injuries in Buffalo, New York; Rochester, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; throughout New York State and beyond. Victims of accidents may be eligible for monetary compensation for their past and present medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, loss of enjoyment, and pain and suffering, and much more. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. more than $175 million to resolve injury claims. Time and time again, former clients of the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. have said that Jed Dietrich, Esq. is the best personal injury lawyer. View our Google 5 Star rating and our clients’ testimonials by clicking here. Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. today at (716) 839-3939 so that we can help you!

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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