Arbitration Forums, Inc., (AF) the national arbitration services organization, said it has created a training and certification program to improve the performance of its 6,500 affiliated arbitrators.
Tampa, Fla.-based AF said its arbitrators are required to participate in the program that covers the new process for reviewing cases, making a decision and explaining that decision.
Geoff Engert, AF director, said that the arbitrators used by the organization are volunteers from member insurers and self-insured companies whose only certification up to now has been training by their own firms.
"We have not had a certification previously for our arbitrators," he explained. Mr. Engert said that more than 80 percent of the claims that use AF arbitrators involve auto accidents so the company is focusing its training efforts on arbitrators who do auto and property claims and first- and third-party programs that apportion liability amongst multiple claimants.
According to the company, the program will provide arbitrators with additional direction on how to present clear, well-written explanations of decisions by giving them an opportunity to develop and practice their writing skills.
The new certification program, AF said, is in addition to the company's continuing education workshops, including Web seminars that focus on the practical application of the rules and procedures for each arbitration program.
In addition to decision quality certification, AF said it is also providing program-specific arbitrator training and certification.
The company said its Special Arbitration Forum Certification Program has been designed to further enhance the arbitrator's knowledge for resolving disputes in third-party co-defendant coverage situations, concurrent coverage and workers' compensation subrogation with a dollar damage limit of up to $250,000.
To receive certification as a Special Arbitrator, candidates must pass a series of exams to show they have the necessary knowledge to decide issues such as coverage, liability, and damages.
AF Special Arbitrators must pass three exams==one on general claims knowledge, another on AF's Special Arbitration Forum, and the final exam on several simulated cases.
According to AF, it is the nation's largest non-profit provider of dispute resolution services with a membership of more than 3,500 insurers and self-insureds nationwide.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.