subject: Seattle Injury Lawyer - What is Arbitration? [print this page] Hoping to provide everybody the resources and knowledge to know how to fight their personal injury lawsuit, Seattle car accident attorney Jason Epstein talks about the tricky process of arbitration.
If it appears as though a settlement will not be reached between both sides involved in a case, then the only option before going to court is arbitration. In Washington State, where I practice law, there is something called "mandatory arbitration," which is where we can compel the other side to partake in what is basically an informal mini-version of a trial as long as the damages involved will be less than $50,000. The arbitration is heard by a neutral - third party attorney - who weighs the arguments of each side, and then makes a decision, just like a judge or jury. The attorney who hears the case will decide how much the winning side is to get, again, as long as it is under $50,000. This can be a good reality check for each side, as it could bring up some flaws in their case that they may not have considered before.
The arbitration decision isn't necessarily the final ruling, however, as it can be appealed. This is a risky decision by the side that decides to appeal, because unless they improve their position, they have to pay for the other side's attorneys fees and costs from then on out. Because of this, there is a major disincentive for a side to appeal their case. In general, if the case goes to arbitration, it will end there.
If you are in an auto accident, make sure you check out my other videos that may be relevant to your case, and feel free to call my office toll free at (888) 852-0068. To get more information from Seattle Injury Attorney Jason Epstein, receive free copies of his books on Washington auto accidents by clicking on the preceeding link.
