What is a Pre-arbitration hearing?
If you decide that you want to apply for arbitration, you will have another chance to meet your insurer at a Pre-arbitration hearing. This hearing is designed to allow you to meet face to face with your insurer in the presence of an arbitrator, prior to the actual arbitration hearing. This hearing is an opportunity to discuss what concerns the insurer may have with your file and allows the parties to sometime engage in meaningful settlement discussions. If you and your insurer are not able to come to a settlement, a date will be selected to hear the arbitration. Much like a mediator, the pre-hearing arbitrator will not have the power at the pre-hearing to determine your entitlement to your benefits. The arbitrator may however order that certain documentary disclosure be made and may impose costs upon a party who fails to show for the hearing or fails to obey the their obligations under the Dispute Resolution Code. This hearing is also an opportunity to allow settlement negotiations, wh
