§ 90-21. 65. Written decision by arbitration.

(a)Issuing the Decision. —The arbitrator shall issue a decision in writing and signed by the arbitrator within 14 days after the completion of the arbitration hearing and shall promptly deliver a copy of the decision to each party or the party’s attorneys. (b)Limit on Damages. —The arbitrator shall not make an award of damages that exceeds a total of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for any dispute submitted to arbitration under this Article, regardless of the number of claimants or defendants that are parties to the dispute. (c)Finding if Damages Awarded. —If the arbitrator makes an award of damages to the claimant, the arbitrator shall make a finding as to whether the injury or death was caused by the negligence of the defendant. (d)Paying the Arbitrator. —The fees and expenses of the arbitrator shall be paid equally by the parties. (e)Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. —Each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs. History: History.2007-541, s. 1.