§ 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. (2007-541, s. 1.)