The new law provides that when a party appeals an order denying a motion to compel arbitration — an order that is immediately appealable — the trial court is not obligated to stay the action during the pendency of the appeal. The law marks a major shift in California civil procedure law.
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.
In ICSID proceedings, a request for arbitration can be unilaterally withdrawn only before its registration. Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings.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.
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.
Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings. It should be noted the Additional Facility Rules do not contain an analogous provision.
Many arbitration clauses have an opt out procedure. Usually something like submitting a written request to opt out within 60 days of accepting the agreement.
During binding arbitration, the panel's decision is the last word. If your case is handled through regular arbitration, you have the right to appeal your case and take your case to court.
(1) The arbitral proceedings shall be terminated by the final arbitral award or by an order of the arbitral tribunal under sub-section (2). (c) the arbitral tribunal finds that the continuation of the proceedings has for any other reason become unnecessary or impossible.