Liberty Mutual Arbitration Process

Liberty Mutual Arbitration Process

Were you in an accident and have Liberty Mutual insurance? It is important for you to understand how arbitration works. Arbitration is a different way to resolve legal disputes between insurance companies or you and the insurance company, without going through a trial or going through the normal Liberty Mutual Claims Process. Arbitration is used to quickly and efficiently decide who, or which entity is responsible to pay for damages and injuries in a car accident. The arbitrator is usually a retired judge or attorney. You cannot appeal the decision of the arbitrator.

Arbitration is often a better option than going to court after car accident settlement negotiations are fruitless. Below is more information about this process with Liberty Mutual.

Liberty Mutual Insurance

Overview of Liberty Mutual Arbitration Process

This process is initiated with you or one insurance company telling the other in writing that they intend to go to arbitration to resolve the claim. This is done in a formal letter. The first area of negotiation in arbitration is deciding who will arbitrate the case. Each insurance company or party to the dispute must agree who this arbitrator will be. An arbitrator is a neutral third party who must be fair and neutral.

Arbitrator is Chosen

After each side has agree to who the arbitrator or panel of arbitrators will be, a date is chosen. This is your hearing date and is also the deadline for each entity to submit evidence and documents to the other. For instance, Liberty Mutual may argue that your rehabilitation costs are more than the other insurance company assumes.

After each side has submitted their evidence, a review period takes place. This could allow Liberty Mutual and the other company to see the other side has a strong argument. This can be an incentive to settle the case before the arbitration hearing. About 2/3 of arbitration cases actually settle before the hearing.

Arbitration Decision Rendered

At the hearing, each side of the dispute presents their version of the case. The arbitrator or panel will review the information for a few weeks or months and will give a decision in writing. It is not appealable and usually does not include the rationale used for the decision. It will state what each side is awarded if anything and who pays various costs.

Talk to Your Attorney

Liberty Mutual and the other insurance company may go to arbitration without your input. But if you are a party to the case making an arbitration decision, it is important to have your case reviewed by a qualified attorney.

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