•  Consumer and Business
•  Employee and Employer
•  Disputes between individuals

Whether a dispute is between a consumer and a business, an employee and employer, or just between individuals, arbitration can be an expeditious and affordable alternative to a trial. Many times claim amounts are too high for resolution through small claims court, or too low to justify the cost of litigation and trial. ACCORD provides a choice of mediation and arbitration alternatives for matters involving:

•  Insurance claims      •  Home improvement contracts      •  Residential home construction      •  Breach of Contract      •  Vendor / supplier disputes      •  Property damage and accidents      •  Victim and criminal offender restitution      •  Accident settlement agreements      •  Personal injury settlements

Mediation services can be useful when parties are likely to continue a relationship with one another or want to maintain control negotiating their own settlement terms so that both sides benefit. For more information about mediation services, please visit our website at accordmediates.com.

However, another alternative to a legal battle is arbitration.

     •  ACCORD's arbitration services can be useful when parties are contentious or when their future relationship is not an          important consideration; the arbitrator conducts a private hearing, and makes a binding decision called an "award".
     •  Parties can be referred by their attorneys, by the court, or self-refer.

The Benefits of Arbitration

     •  Disputants are given their "day in court" since they can present their own case without time restraints
     •  Hearings are scheduled within days
     •  Awards are issued in less than 30 days
     •  The arbitrator is an experienced, objective professional with expertise in particular subject matters

The Arbitration Process

When an inquiry is made by a referring professional or by self-referring parties, an orientation packet is mailed to the claimant (the party initiating the claim) and to the respondent (the party responding to the claim).

The process then begins:

1.  Matter submitted to Arbitration

     •  Each party signs an Agreement to Arbitrate and other forms
     •  Fees are remitted
     •  The issue(s) to be arbitrated are established

2.  Arbitrator or arbitrator panel of 3 is selected

     •  Parties agree to hearing guidelines

3.  Parties prepare to present their case

     •  Evidence is collected, including receipts, photos, testimonials
     •  Witnesses are arranged (if applicable)
     •  Subpoenas are issued (if applicable)

4.  Hearing is promptly scheduled

     •  Equipment is arranged
     •  Location and time is determined

5.  Arbitrator(s) conducts the Hearing

     •  Parties are sworn in
     •  Parties make opening statement
     •  Parties present their argument
     •  Parties make closing statement

6.  Arbitrator(s) prepares decision

     •  Award is issued within 30 days
     •  Award can be converted to judgment