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.
In entering into an arbitration agreement, the parties agree to refer their dispute to a neutral tribunal to decide their rights and obligations. Although sometimes described as a form of alternative dispute resolution, arbitration is not the same as mediation or conciliation.
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.
To reduce the costs and improve the efficiency of dispute resolution, businesses often require that their customers and employees to sign an arbitration agreement.
Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute. In choosing arbitration, the parties opt for a private dispute resolution procedure instead of going to court.
Arbitrations usually involve one or more hearings before the tribunal, where the parties' lawyers put forward arguments and question the other party's witnesses and experts. Hearings can last from half a day to many weeks or even months depending on the issues at stake.
To give you an idea of the process that arbitration typically involves, the American Arbitration Association describes artibtration as having five main steps: Filing and initiation. Arbitrator selection. Preliminary hearing. Information exchange and preparation. Hearings. Post hearing submissions. Award.
Should you sign an arbitration agreement? If you agree to engage in a possible future arbitration voluntarily, mutually determine the ground rules of arbitration and agree to choose an impartial arbitrator together, you are likely to find arbitration to be not only inexpensive and fast but also fair.
Many arbitrators and arbitration rules limit discovery. You may not get to know what the other side has in mind until possibly 10 days before the hearing when you just might have to exchange witness lists and exhibits. Court rules include a lot of disclosure and discovery rights.
Arbitration is actually pretty useful. It can make complaints that would take years happen rather quickly (comparatively). It is really up to you but arbitration is not a bad thing. The downside is you won't get a jury trial or something like that in the case of something really bad happening.