These cases range from breach of contract or licensing agreements, business torts, and franchise to construction and infrastructure disputes in companies from start-ups to the Fortune 500 in a variety of industries.
If your case involves factors like privacy concerns, the need for a quicker resolution, or the desire to avoid a public jury trial, arbitration might be an ideal solution. However, if you're worried about the finality of the arbitrator's decision or the potential for bias, you might prefer the traditional court route.
Arbitration is less formal than court, though you and the other party may appear at an arbitration hearing, present evidence, or call and question each other's witnesses. An arbitrator or panel makes a decision or award once you've presented your case. The decision is legally binding.
Cases that are $50,000 or less must go into arbitration. Examples include a personal injury case from an automobile accident, a disagreement about a contract, or some other type of case that doesn't involve criminal charges.
Arbitration is often used to resolve disputes in labor and employment matters. For example, an employee might file a grievance with his or her employer, alleging that the employer has violated the terms of the employment agreement.
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 dispute having arisen between the parties concerning , the parties hereby agree that the dispute shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the LCIA Rules. The number of arbitrators shall be one/three. The seat, or legal place, of arbitration shall be City and/or Country.
After the opening statement, the claimants present evidence, that is, the details of their case. For example, they present witnesses and introduce any relevant documents. If the arbitrators did not swear a witness in at the beginning of a hearing, they will administer the oath before that person testifies.