Arbitration

Arbitration is a process for resolving disputes by submitting them to a neutral third party (the Arbitrator) who renders a decision outside of the court system. It is a streamlined and efficient alternative to traditional litigation, offering parties a faster and more cost-effective way to resolve conflicts than filing a case in the court system which can take years to resolve.

How Arbitration Works

• Informal Discovery Process: Evidence is submitted to the arbitrator for case evaluation.
• Rules and Procedures: The rules followed by arbitrators or arbitration associations can vary, but the process is generally less formal than court proceedings.
• Findings of Fact and Law: The arbitrator reviews evidence, hears witness testimony, and makes determinations on liability and damages.

Binding vs. Non Binding Arbitration

• Binding Arbitration: In binding arbitration, the arbitrator’s decision is final and enforceable, with limited grounds for appeal. This is commonly used in commercial and consumer agreements, where mandatory arbitration clauses ensure disputes are resolved efficiently without disrupting business relationships.
• Non Binding Arbitration: In non binding arbitration, the arbitrator’s decision serves as a recommendation. While not final, it often facilitates productive settlement negotiations and helps parties resolve their dispute at a later stage without the risks of a trial.

Benefits of Arbitration

• Speed: Arbitration typically resolves disputes faster than court litigation.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The process avoids the high costs of prolonged court proceedings, expert fees, and extensive discovery.
• Flexibility: Parties can tailor the arbitration process to suit their needs, including selecting the arbitrator and setting procedural rules.

Lori Sanford is frequently appointed as an arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) providers, such as Resolute Systems, LLC. She also handles private arbitrations, including first-party cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits, as well as contractual arbitration cases where arbitration is required under a written agreement. Lori’s extensive experience as an arbitrator ensures that parties receive a fair, efficient, and impartial resolution to their disputes.

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