Contractors and their lawyers understand arbitration is often the preferred method for the resolution of a construction dispute. It is a standard clause in most construction contracts.
But what happens if an agreement is not very clear and the parties are uncertain if their disagreement is to be presented to an arbitration panel or to a court. Who gets to make the decision as to where the dispute is heard?
A recent case provided an interesting answer. The supplier of impact resistant doors and the general contractor on a hi-rise project had a difference of opinion over timely delivery of ordered product. Since it wasn’t clear if they had agreed to arbitrate or litigate their disputes, they filed suit, asking the court for guidance. A judge found the parties had sufficiently evidenced their intent to have arbitrators, not a court, hear and decide their disagreements. How? He discovered they had incorporated a reference to the Construction Industry Rules of the American Arbitration Association within their contract.
So be careful – even just referring to arbitration rules can sway a court in the direction of having a dispute arbitrated versus litigated. Better to state clearly which option you prefer. This way, you, and not a third-party, get to make this all important decision.
Never Miss Another Post.
You’ll also have access to free forms and an eBook.
When it comes to construction liens, don’t find yourself in deep water without a lifeline. Knowing the ins and outs of this complex area of the law can allow you to swim ahead of the pack, securing your work and obtaining payments due.
Read TheLienZone and find the answers to these common questions:
- Are all improvements lienable?
- Can you amend your Claim of Lien?
- Do you have to provide a Final Contractor’s Affidavit?
- How do you lien a landlord for tenant work?
- Can a lien be extinguished?
- Do you always need to send a Notice to Owner?
Written by Alexander Barthet (alex@barthet.com), a Board Certified Construction Law Expert. Subscribe to receive updates. It’s free. You’ll also have access to free forms and our eBook, download as many as you want.
Already have a subscription?
Click here and go to
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/lienzone/~3/C-xEEqU2gP8/
