Arbitrator Bias Claim

Arbitrator Bias Claim

An arbitrator bias claim refers to an allegation made by one party in an arbitration process that the arbitrator, who is the neutral third party responsible for resolving the dispute, has a bias that influences their decision-making. Such claims are grounded in the principle that arbitrators must maintain impartiality and independence to ensure a fair resolution for all parties involved.

Arbitrator bias can manifest in various forms, including but not limited to personal relationships, financial interests, or past involvement with one of the parties. If a party believes that an arbitrator is biased, they may seek to challenge the arbitrator’s authority to decide the case.

For example, if an arbitrator has previously represented one of the parties in another legal matter or has a financial interest in the outcome, this might give rise to a bias claim. In such cases, the affected party can file a motion to disqualify the arbitrator before the arbitration proceedings continue.

If the arbitrator does not voluntarily recuse themselves, the party may need to present evidence of bias to a court, which will then determine whether the arbitrator should be removed from the case. A successful arbitrator bias claim can lead to the appointment of a new arbitrator and potentially delay the arbitration process.