Illinois Workers' Compensation Arbitration Decisions

The study found that: Employees were three times more likely to win in arbitration than in court. Employees on average won twice the amount of money through arbitration ($520,630) than in court ($269,885). Arbitration disputes were resolved on average faster (569 days) than in litigation (665 days).

The arbitrator listens to both sides, looks at the evidence you've sent in and decides what the outcome should be. In some cases, the arbitrator may choose to have several meetings with you both. When the arbitrator makes a decision, this is called an award and it's legally binding.

When arbitration is binding, the decision is final, can be enforced by a court, and can only be appealed on very narrow grounds. When arbitration is non-binding, the arbitrator's award is advisory and can be final only if accepted by the parties.

How long does it take. You can usually expect to hear the arbitrator's decision within 45 days of the arbitrator closing the proceedings. However, this timescale is usually set by agreement between you, the other party and the arbitrator.

An award made by an arbitral tribunal pursuant to an arbitration agreement is immediately enforceable.Enforcement means giving an award the same effect as a domestic court judgement, which then serves as the official basis of further execution.

Arbitration is a private process where disputing parties agree that one or several individuals can make a decision about the dispute after receiving evidence and hearing arguments. Arbitration is different from mediation because the neutral arbitrator has the authority to make a decision about the dispute.

An arbitration hearing is similar to a small claims trial. The participants present evidence and make arguments supporting their positions. After the hearing, the arbitrator decides in favor of one side or the other.An arbitrator is more like a judge, who hears the evidence and makes a ruling.

To win the arbitration of the closer cases, don't run away from bad facts or create issues where they do not exist. You only have to win the case, not every argument, document or examination. Present the case accurately, fully and logically.

Usually, the rules of arbitration services provide that the arbitrator is to decide the case within 30 days after the case has been submitted.