Texas law will routinely uphold arbitration clauses. However, before submitting to arbitration, all Texans who want their day in court should be sure that the agreement is enforceable. It is tough but you can still avoid an arbitration clause.
In some instances, you may be able to sue if you signed a valid arbitration agreement. While courts generally favor arbitration agreements, they will allow you to file a lawsuit if either you didn't understand your rights or your claims fall outside the arbitration provision's scope.
An employment arbitration agreement typically asks employees to agree that any disputes will be resolved through arbitration. It can be a standalone document, but it's most often part of a broader employment contract.
Validity of Arbitration Agreements Under Section 171.001 of the TAA, written agreements to arbitrate are generally valid and enforceable in Texas. This section ensures that, barring any specific legal exceptions, parties bound by a written agreement to arbitrate must settle their disputes outside of court.
There are some benefits to arbitration if something goes wrong for you alone because it can be easier and faster to navigate than going to court. That being said, if you would prefer to have access to class action lawsuits, then opting out might be the better option for you.
However, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled that an employer can simply notify at-will employees of the details of an arbitration program it is adopting, and the employees can be bound to that arbitration program by continuing their employment, even if they never sign anything.
In a series of decisions beginning in the 1980s, the U.S. Supreme Court expanded the reach of the FAA, requiring enforcement of arbitration agreements to statutory claims,11 including in employment contracts.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.
A claimant will typically start arbitration by sending a document known as a “request for arbitration” or a “notice to arbitrate” to its opponent.