
Promotes arbitration in tort cases and prohibits claims for punitive damages in such actions. Creates filing and notice limits and provides for the selection of a single arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators. Decisions by arbitrators are final, but either party can request for trial de novo. If the plaintiff, as the moving party, does not obtain a verdict that is at least $5,000 and 30% greater than the arbitration award, the plaintiff is responsible for all of the defendant’s costs. If a defendant, as the moving party, does not obtain a verdict that is at least 30% less than the arbitration award, then the defendant is responsible for all of the plaintiff’s costs.
