how can courts order a judgement 3 days before teh arbitration hearing and not notify defendant? if so, is areb decision binding

was sued by CC company. i went to arbitration like the paper said and thier attorney did not show up. (the 12th). arbitrators dismissed case. yesterday (13th) received letter from attorney saying judgment was filed ont he 9th?? obviously neither arbitrators or i knew. hiow is it possible to get a judgment before teh set date?? also, which is binding. the civil clerk said the arbitration was, but i am still concerned