The short answer is yes. No set of institutional rules prevents a party from abandoning claims it has raised in an arbitration. But there could be important implications to think through, depending on when the withdrawal occurs, and what else has occurred in the proceedings.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
In ICSID proceedings, a request for arbitration can be unilaterally withdrawn only before its registration. Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings.
In ICSID proceedings, a request for arbitration can be unilaterally withdrawn only before its registration. Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings.
Read through the contract carefully, and if you find mention of forced arbitration, cross it out. Refuse to sign it. Explain to the administrator that you see it, but will not agree to it. If you or a loved one have suffered at a nursing home, even if you've agreed to arbitration already, all may not be lost.
But, in the absence of an agreement between all parties to end the proceedings, can a claimant unilaterally withdraw from an arbitration that it has commenced? The short answer is yes. No set of institutional rules prevents a party from abandoning claims it has raised in an arbitration.
Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings.
You could send a letter to the facility explaining that you did not understand the implications of signing an arbitration agreement, and therefore you are revoking your consent. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter and obtain proof of delivery.