Limited Appeal Options: One of the most significant downsides of arbitration is that it offers very limited options for appeal. Once the arbitrator makes a decision, it's usually final unless there was a substantial legal oversight.
Arbitration is a fairer, faster, and less expensive way to resolve disputes than time-consuming and expensive litigation.
You can always agree to arbitration later if your lawyer advises you it's a good choice in the particular situation you find yourself in. There's no benefit to you in doing so months or years ahead of time.
Win Rate: Consumers prevailed in 41.7% of arbitrations that terminated with awards compared to 29.3% of litigations that terminated with awards. Employees prevailed in 37.7% of arbitrations that terminated with awards compared to 10.8% of litigations that terminated with awards.
But two unspoken reasons are also driving the trend toward arbitration. First is the fact that arbitration results tend to favor employers over employees. There are lots of institutional reasons for this bias, starting with the fact that the corporation is responsible for actually paying the fees for the arbitrator.
In most cases, the party that started the arbitration initially by filing a claim will present their case first and the opposing party will then have an opportunity to present their defense, but the arbitrator will ultimately decide the order.
Disadvantages Questionable Fairness. Mandatory arbitration. Finality: No appeals. While this may be a positive if you find the arbitration decision favorable, you should be aware that if arbitration is binding, both sides give up their right to an appeal. Can be more expensive. Unpredictability: Unconventional outcomes.
Resolving disputes through arbitration, rather than litigation, benefits consumers, employees, and businesses–the only ones that do not benefit from arbitration are plaintiffs' lawyers.
Arguments should flow easily from the relevant facts and applicable law. Avoid exaggerating the strengths of your case as well as disparaging the opposing side. Remember that professionalism and credibility are critical to persuasiveness.
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.