Arbitrators are generally required to render written decisions within thirty days unless the parties agree to some other time period. The arbitrator can make any award that is equitable. He can order the losing party to pay additional costs, including AAA filing fees and arbitrator fees. Legal fees may be awarded if the arbitration clause so provides. If the parties settle their dispute prior to a decision, they may request that the terms of the settlement be embodied in the consent award.
Arbitrators have no contact with the parties after the hearing is concluded.
The parties are notified in writing by the AAA administrator and are sent a copy of the award. The decision in a typical commercial case is brief usually no formal reasons are given to explain why a particular award was rendered or the basis on which damages were calculated. It is practically impossible to appeal a losing case. The arbitrator has no power once the case is decided. The matter can be reviewed only by a judge, and judges cannot overturn the award on the grounds of insufficient evidence.