Arbitration is an alternative means of settling a dispute by impartial persons without proceeding to a court trial. It is sometimes preferred as a means of settling a matter in order to avoid the expense, delay, and acrimony of litigation. There is no discovery and there are simplified rules of evidence in arbitration. The arbitrator or arbitrators are selected directly by the parties or are chosen in accordance with the terms of a contract in which the parties have agreed to use a court-ordered arbitrator or an arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association. If there is no contract, usually each party chooses an arbitrator and the two arbitrators select a third to comprise the panel. When parties submit to arbitration, they agree to be bound by and comply with the arbitrators' decision. The arbitrators' decision is given after an informal proceeding where each side presents evidence and witnesses. Arbitration hearings usually last only a few hours and the opinions are not public record. Arbitration has long been used in labor, construction, and securities regulation, but is now gaining popularity in other business disputes.
Keywords: Pennsylvania, Agreement to Submit to Arbitration, General, types Description: A Pennsylvania Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General is a legal document that outlines the agreement between two or more parties to resolve any disputes or claims through arbitration rather than litigation in a court of law. The agreement is binding and serves as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. In Pennsylvania, there are various types of Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General, which include: 1. Commercial Arbitration Agreement: This type of agreement is commonly used in business transactions, commercial contracts, and partnerships. It outlines the parties' intent to resolve disputes relating to their commercial relationship through arbitration. This agreement covers a wide range of issues, such as breach of contract, intellectual property disputes, and disagreements over business practices. 2. Employment Arbitration Agreement: This type of agreement is used in the employment context, where an employer and an employee mutually agree to resolve employment-related disputes through arbitration instead of litigation. It covers matters such as wage disputes, workplace discrimination claims, and wrongful termination cases. The agreement ensures confidentiality and provides a quicker and cost-effective method of resolving employment disputes. 3. Construction Arbitration Agreement: In Pennsylvania, construction contracts often include an Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General clause. It establishes arbitration as the preferred method of resolving construction-related disputes, such as contract breaches, delays, payment disputes, design errors, and defective workmanship. This agreement allows the parties to avoid lengthy court proceedings and promotes efficient resolution of construction disputes. 4. Consumer Arbitration Agreement: This type of agreement is commonly found in consumer contracts, such as those between individuals and service providers or product sellers. It outlines the parties' intention to settle any disputes arising out of the consumer transaction through arbitration. These agreements often cover issues such as product defects, billing disputes, service quality concerns, and refund claims. Consumer arbitration agreements can provide a more streamlined and accessible way for consumers to seek resolution without the need for costly lawsuits. In all types of Pennsylvania Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General, the parties voluntarily agree to waive their right to pursue legal action in court and instead choose arbitration as the exclusive method for dispute resolution. This agreement usually includes details about the arbitration process, such as selecting an arbitrator, the rules governing the arbitration, and the location where the arbitration will take place. It is essential for the parties to carefully consider the terms of the agreement and seek legal advice before signing to ensure their rights and interests are protected throughout the arbitration process.
