Skip to Content

Get Your FREE Consultation

Blog

Supreme Court Rules Against Consumers in High Stakes Arbitration Decision

April 27, 2011

In a much-anticipated decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled against consumers in AT&T v. Concepcion. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court held that corporations may use arbitration clauses to cut off consumers and employees’ right to join their claims together through class actions to hold corporations accountable. The decision clears the way for employers and corporations to include in all employment and consumer agreements an arbitration clause which prohibits class action or even joinder of claims.

As a result, consumers and employees harmed by unfair trade practices or other wrongful conduct will have to pursue their claims through individual arbitration proceedings. Since individuals will no longer be able to join together and pool their resources in challenging systematic and widespread misconduct, many instances of wrongful conduct will go unchallenged. The Supreme Court’s decision is a crushing blow to consumers.

The decision has been widely criticized by consumer activists and consumer groups. Read the Public Citizen’s press release.

TALK TO US NOW
FOR FREE
No Win, No Fee

Review Us

Martin & Jones, PLLC logo

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

Contact Our North Carolina Personal Injury Law Firm

for a Consultation for Your Accident or Medical Malpractice Claim

Call us at 800-662-1234
TALK TO US NOW
FOR FREE
No Win, No Fee

The law firm you choose makes a difference. If you are the victim of an accident or an illness that someone else caused, the North Carolina personal injury law firm of Martin & Jones has the depth of experience, skills and sensitivity to make your road to recovery as smooth as possible. Whether you have experience with the legal system or have never hired a medical malpractice or personal injury lawyer before, our attorneys and staff will do our best to answer your questions, provide clear advice and prepare you and your family for what to expect. If you would like more information or to meet with one of our attorneys, please fill out the form below or call us at 800.662.1234.