A quasi-arbitration where a neutral adjudicator issues an award or decision, binding on the parties, unless unenforceable by the court or an arbitrator. The Housing, Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 provides a compulsory adjudication scheme in most construction contracts to resolve disputes on an interim basis, to minimise site delays. The adjudicator reaches a decision within 28 days of referral. The decision is binding unless the dispute is finally decided by agreement, or until, on occasions only, there is a fresh hearing by litigation or arbitration. Otherwise the court intervenes if the losing party refuses to honour the adjudicator’s decision. See ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
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MEDICAL, US:
Process of the final determination of the issues involving settlement of an insurance claim as payable, partially payable, or denied; also known as claim settlement