CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Sean McBride
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS
Thursday, April 14, 2005
U.S. Chamber Poll Shows Arbitration
Faster, Simpler and Less Costly than Litigation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) survey by Harris Interactive found wide satisfaction among individuals who chose arbitration over litigation to resolve a dispute.
“The results of this study are clear: Americans overwhelmingly prefer arbitration to the stressful, draining and costly experience of litigation,” said Lisa Rickard, president of ILR. “While the average lawsuit in America takes three years to reach trial or settlement, arbitration can save time and reduce costs, while providing confidentiality and flexibility.”
The survey results, released at an ILR conference examining alternatives to litigation, showed that the majority of respondents find arbitration to be faster (74 percent), simpler (63 percent), and cheaper (51 percent) than going to court. An overwhelming majority (66 percent) of participants say they would be likely to use arbitration again.
“As the cost of the U.S. tort system approaches an astounding $300 billion per year, we must explore ways to make our civil justice system more efficient and more effective,” added Rickard. “Alternatives to litigation, such as arbitration, are proven means to improve our legal system.”
The survey was conducted for ILR by the Harris Poll among 609 adults who had participated in a binding arbitration case that reached a decision. Respondents were required to have been in the binding arbitration voluntarily, due to contract language, or with strong urging by the court, but not ordered into arbitration by a court.
The mission of the Institute for Legal Reform is to make America's legal system simpler, fairer and faster for everyone. It seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial and educational activities at the national, state and local levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.
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