Mediation of civil action based on tort; exception; time for referring action to mediation; hearing

(1) Each civil action based on tort in which it is claimed that damages exceed $10,000.00, except an action alleging medical malpractice, shall be mediated pursuant to this chapter. (2) The judge to whom a civil action as prescribed in subsection (1) is assigned or the chief judge shall refer the action to mediation by written order not less than 91 days after the filing of the answer or answers. (3) A civil action referred to mediation pursuant to subsection (2) shall be heard by a mediation panel selected pursuant to section 4953.