If one party feels the decision is erroneous, there is very limited opportunity to correct it. There are many cases in which arbitration can become more expensive than court proceedings. Quality arbitrators can demand substantial fees that would not apply in 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.
Published . Summary•5 min read. An arbitration clause establishes what will happen if conflicts arise between parties during the fulfillment of a contract in advance.
Arbitration might be the right choice for some cases. Limited discovery rights and costs might be useful when less is at stake. Arbitration might feel less adversarial, which could be an advantage where ongoing relationships are hoped to be preserved. Arbitration lends some confidentiality.
Most of our arbitration hearings are conducted by two experienced attorneys and one non-attorney. Like judges, arbitrators hear arguments from both sides and decide the outcome of the dispute. Arbitrators and both parties are allowed to request reasonable discovery if/when a hearing date is set.
If neither party appeals the decision, it will be binding, like an order by a judge. However, a party unhappy with the arbitrator's decision can request a new trial before a judge.
It's typically a clause in a broader contract in which you agree to settle out of court, through arbitration cases, any dispute that arises with your counterpart.
Arbitration might be the right choice for some cases. Limited discovery rights and costs might be useful when less is at stake. Arbitration might feel less adversarial, which could be an advantage where ongoing relationships are hoped to be preserved. Arbitration lends some confidentiality.
If you include an arbitration clause in your contract, you might want to specify the rules for the arbitration proceeding. You can be vague in your rules. For example, you can simply say that the arbitration is: binding.