Legal effect of outcomes

Last updated: 5 May 2026

This page explains when AR-ADR outcomes bind the parties and what happens to your right to take a case to court.

For participating (subscribed) clinics

Where a trader is a participating subscriber to AR-ADR, an Adjudication outcome is binding on the trader if the consumer accepts it within the time limit set out in the decision (typically 28 days).

For non-subscribed traders

Where a trader is not a subscriber but has agreed to use AR-ADR for a particular dispute, the outcome is binding on the trader only if both parties have agreed to that effect in advance.

Effect on the consumer

Outcomes are not binding on the consumer unless accepted. A consumer is free to reject the outcome.

Acceptance

• The consumer is told how to accept (in writing or electronically) and the deadline for doing so.
• If the consumer accepts within the deadline, the trader is bound to comply with the outcome.
• If the consumer does not accept, the outcome lapses.

Court rights

Your right to bring or defend court proceedings is preserved unless you accept a binding outcome. In summary:

• If you do not accept the outcome — your court rights are unaffected.
• If you accept a binding outcome — that outcome is the agreed resolution of the dispute, and you would not normally be able to litigate the same issues again.
• Refusal of a case by AR-ADR does not affect your court rights.

Limitation periods

Time limits in the courts (limitation periods) continue to run while we deal with your case. If you may be approaching a limitation deadline, consider seeking independent legal advice.

Outcomes are not court orders

An AR-ADR outcome is contractual in nature once accepted. If a trader fails to comply with a binding accepted outcome, you may need to enforce it through the courts.