Q: arbitration clause in a contract worker contract
I have been under a contract (in Washington State) to do some work for a small company (sole proprietor LLC). I completed the work and send a final invoice. He is not paying because he says he just cant afford to pay it. This is not at all true. The truth is that he has lost interest in the business and wants to do other things. Fine that he wants to do other things, but I did the work and should be paid. The contract I signed has an arbitration clause. Can I still take it to small claims court? Thanks for your help!
A: A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. The short answer is that arbitration clauses are binding. When parties to a contract agree to arbitration as a forum for handling disputes arising out of the matter, that means they forfeit rights to pursue remedies in small claims or other courts. This is a generality. For definitive guidance, a Washington attorney could advise more completely with the benefit of reviewing the contract with you. Good luck
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