Resolving differences through the court system may have several disadvantages. A trial, which is open to the public, can take months to schedule and sometimes longer to prepare for. The verdict or decision is usually made by a jury made up of individuals with varying levels of education, background, comprehension and objectivity. And, the judge who is assigned to a case may be one that a claimant or respondent may prefer not have hear their case. There are many key advantages to arbitration.

WHY ARBITRATION?

YOU MAINTAIN CONTROL Arbitration, an alternative, is a private hearing conducted by a single, impartial arbitrator or panel of 3 arbitrators. During the hearing, disputants present their testimony, evidence and witnesses. Following the hearing, an "award" is prepared by the arbitrator rendering the final decision, which can subsequently be entered as a judgment.

Unless disputants agree otherwise in advance, arbitration is legally binding.

ACCORD's arbitrators follow rules and procedures governed by the Federal Arbitration Act and New York State Civil Practice Law and Rules Article 75 - Arbitration. Since the rules for arbitration hearings are less formal, participants can establish the hearing guidelines.

YOU REDUCE COSTS

Rising litigation costs are forcing companies to explore more affordable methods of resolving disputes.

Commercial arbitration provides disputants with an expeditious, affordable and confidential method of resolution. Businesses, partners, employers, unions, and government agencies frequently embrace alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a method of minimizing their litigation and trial costs for matters such as:

ACCORD's arbitrators are experienced professionals with expertise in the areas of contracts, labor issues, equitable distribution, insurance, banking and finance, and residential and commercial construction.

SPEEDIER RESOLUTION

Sometimes, claim amounts are too large for small claims court and/or not large enough to justify litigation and court fees.

ACCORD makes consumer arbitration more easily accessible to individuals who have disputes with businesses, manufacturers, contractors, insurance companies, organizations, or even other individuals for such matters as:

YOU GET RESULTS

     •   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.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

By calling ACCORD’s Arbitration Division at 585.461.2654 or toll free at 888.851.0414

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 additional forms
     •   Fees are remitted
     •   The issue to be arbitrated is established

2. Arbitrator or arbitrator panel is selected

     •   Parties agree to hearing guidelines

3. Parties prepare to present their case

     •   Evidence is collected
     •   Witnesses are arranged
     •   Subpoenas are issued

6. Arbitrator prepares decision

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