Section 33-3-204 - Waiver of arbitration - action for damages

If a claimant waives the right to arbitration pursuant to the provisions of section 33-3-203, the commission shall review the claim as provided in section 33-3-107. Such claimant may commence an action for damages and, in connection therewith, shall be entitled to a trial de novo in any court of the county in which the damage or any portion thereof is alleged to have occurred. The division may be represented by a full-time employee in small claims court. Such action shall be filed within sixty days after the claimant receives notice of denial by the commission, which notice shall set forth the reasons for denial, or within sixty days after the claimant receives an offer of settlement from the commission. If the action is not filed within said sixty-day period, such action shall be forever barred.L. 93: Entire part added, p. 1722, § 3, effective June 6.