Meet Tom. A Consumer who, when faced with a life interruption due to a data breach, decided to proceed with his Arbitration claim "Pro Se", without any help from an Attorney, or a Mass Arbitration assistance group like Chariot Claims—We'd love to have talked to Tom to tell him that going against a large corporation isn't an easy job - and to have outlined some of the steps to keep him better informed.

Step One: Hiring a Lawyer or Representing Yourself

The first step when preparing to bring an Arbitration Claim is whether to hire a consumer rights attorney or proceed without one. An attorney can be of great help in navigating the legal process, drafting filings, and building arguments, but legal fees can be expensive. The advantage of hiring an attorney is their experience: they can evaluate whether a case is worth pursuing and determine the best approach.

The alternative is opting for self-representation, but keep in mind that the other side won’t be showing up alone. They’ll bring an experienced legal team to defend them. Tom found out on his hearing day that "My Cousin Vinny" may be best left for the movie plots!

Step Two: Managing the Paperwork and Paying Filing Fees.

From drafting the arbitration demand through formal notice to the company, the following tasks are required at the start of an arbitration claim:

• Write and submit a demand that clearly sets forth the claim and request for relief under the law.

• Submit/file the demand to the company through an approved method required by the rules of the arbitration forum. These can vary depending on whether the claims are covered by AAA, JAMS, etc. Notices of claim are often required to be delivered by certified mail or electronic filing with the arbitration provider.

• Keep track of strict deadlines for responses and hearings.

Step Three: Building the Case and Managing Evidence

Most importantly, evidence needs to be compiled. The case is only as strong as what can be proved. Unsure what counts? Here’s a guide on what counts as evidence in consumer claims.

To pursue a case, a filing fee needs to be paid up front. Depending on the arbitration rules, this can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars—often more than the amount in dispute. These fees are paid directly to the arbitration provider, such as the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or JAMS, and are required in addition to any legal costs.

Once the filing fee is paid and the arbitration provider accepts the case, the company is required to respond. Unfortunately, they can also delay the process by disputing the arbitration agreement, stalling on their share of fees, or dragging out scheduling.

Step Four: Attending the Hearing

After the case moves through the initial phases, it will be time to schedule and attend a hearing. These are often held over the phone or Zoom, though sometimes in person. A hearing can last several hours, and preparation usually takes much longer. During the hearing, someone (like Tom!) proceeding themselves will need to:

• Present evidence and arguments

• Respond to the company’s lawyers

• Answer the arbitrator’s questions in real time

Step Five: Waiting for the Decision

After the hearing, the arbitrator reviews the case and issues a decision, known as an 'award.'. This review period can stretch for weeks or months.

If a claimant succeeds in their claims, the arbitrator may order the company to pay a certain amount. But collecting that award isn’t always immediate. The company may delay payment, ask the arbitrator to reconsider, or even challenge the award in court. In some cases, additional filings are required to enforce payment. All of this can extend the process well beyond the hearing itself.

The Power of Mass Arbitration

The truth is, filing a case individually takes significant time, money, and persistence. For many, the process can end up costing more than the potential recovery, which is why most people don’t go down this path, even when they’ve clearly been wronged.

Chariot was built to make this process more accessible. Instead of hundreds or thousands of people each navigating the system on their own, we bring those cases together through mass arbitration. This approach can mean:

• Less paperwork and stress

• More leverage against the company

• A stronger chance at meaningful compensation

Filing alone is always an option, and we respect Tom and others who choose it. Even so, choosing to proceed with claims with a company like Chariot Claims is a great way to have someone else do the heavy lifting. If you or someone you know would prefer not to spend months managing filings and hearings on your own, we’re here with another path.

👉 Check if you’re eligible to join a case today.