When you are searching for a dentist, you may come across Western Dental. This company has a network of dental offices in California, Arizona, and Nevada. When you visit one of these offices, you will be asked to sign an arbitration agreement.
What is an arbitration agreement?
An arbitration agreement is a contract that you sign that says you agree to settle any disputes with Western Dental through arbitration. Arbitration is an alternative to going to court and is a way to resolve disputes more quickly and efficiently.
What are the advantages of arbitration?
Arbitration has several advantages over going to court. First, it is typically faster than going to court, which can take months or even years. Second, it is often less expensive than going to court, as you do not have to pay for a lawyer to represent you. Third, it is less formal than going to court, which can make it less stressful.
What are the disadvantages of arbitration?
One disadvantage of arbitration is that the decisions made by the arbitrator are typically final and cannot be appealed. This means that if the arbitrator makes a mistake or misinterprets the law, you may not have any recourse. Another disadvantage of arbitration is that it can be difficult to find an arbitrator who is knowledgeable about dental malpractice and can make informed decisions.
What should you do if you are asked to sign an arbitration agreement?
If you are asked to sign an arbitration agreement at a Western Dental office, you should read it carefully and make sure you understand what you are agreeing to. If you have any questions or concerns, you should ask the person who is presenting the agreement to you. If you are not comfortable signing the agreement, you should consider finding a different dentist.
In conclusion, Western Dental requires patients to sign an arbitration agreement when they visit one of their dental offices. While there are advantages and disadvantages to arbitration, it is important to read the agreement carefully and make an informed decision. If you have any questions or concerns, you should speak to the person who is presenting the agreement to you.