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.
The Washington Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties to resolve disputes through arbitration rather than traditional litigation. This agreement is created in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Washington Arbitration Association (WAS) and is applicable to various types of disputes, including commercial, contractual, and civil matters. Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution method where parties agree to submit their disputes to a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, who will make a binding decision. The Washington Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General allows the involved parties to choose the arbitrator, set the procedural rules, and determine the place and language of the arbitration process. There are several types of Washington Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General, depending on the nature of the dispute and the specific requirements of the parties involved: 1. Commercial Arbitration Agreement: This type of agreement is commonly used for resolving commercial disputes, such as those arising from business contracts, partnerships, or shareholder agreements. It provides a structured and efficient method to settle conflicts, thereby offering confidentiality and lower costs compared to traditional court proceedings. 2. Construction Arbitration Agreement: Specifically designed for the construction industry, this form of agreement aims to resolve disputes related to construction contracts, project delays, design issues, or payment disputes. It allows the parties to select arbitrators with expertise in construction law and enables a quicker resolution, which is essential in the time-sensitive nature of construction projects. 3. Employment Arbitration Agreement: This type of agreement is utilized in the employment context, where employers and employees agree to resolve workplace-related disputes, such as discrimination claims, wrongful termination, or labor disputes, through arbitration. It provides a more informal and expedited process for resolving employment-related conflicts, often offering confidentiality and flexibility. 4. Consumer Arbitration Agreement: Typically found in consumer contracts for goods or services, this agreement binds the consumer and the business to resolve disputes through arbitration. It ensures a fair and efficient resolution for consumer complaints, such as product defects, billing disputes, or service-related issues. However, it is essential to ensure that consumer rights are adequately protected in such agreements. 5. International Arbitration Agreement: Unlike the previously mentioned types, this agreement applies to disputes with an international dimension, where parties from different countries are involved. It handles cross-border disputes, such as international trade, investment, or intellectual property issues. The agreement may incorporate international arbitration rules and procedures, such as those provided by institutions like the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) or the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ISCID). The Washington Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General offers parties the opportunity to resolve their conflicts outside the traditional court system while ensuring impartiality, enforceability, and efficiency. By choosing arbitration, the parties have control over the selection of arbitrators, the timeline, and the cost, ultimately resulting in a more tailored and satisfactory dispute resolution process.
