TRAPPED BY THE FINE PRINT — Fighting Back Against Forced Arbitration in California
Buried deep in the terms and conditions of everything from online purchases to medical service contracts, there’s a clause designed to silence you: forced arbitration
These hidden legal traps block consumers from suing in court, joining class actions, or holding corporations publicly accountable.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys routinely fight forced arbitration provisions designed to protect corporations—not consumers. If you've unknowingly signed away your rights, we may be able to help you push back—and win.
What Is Forced Arbitration, and Why Is It a Problem?
Forced arbitration occurs when a company requires you to resolve disputes in private arbitration as a condition of purchasing their product or service. Often, consumers aren’t even aware they’ve agreed to it—until it’s too late.
Unlike traditional court cases, arbitration:
Is private and often confidential
Denies you the right to a jury trial
Cannot be appealed
Is often run by biased, company-favored arbitrators
And worst of all, the results are rarely made public—so harmful corporate behavior stays hidden.
Common Contracts That Contain Forced Arbitration Clauses
Many California consumers unknowingly sign away their rights in:
Credit card agreements
Mobile phone and cable contracts
Employment onboarding paperwork
Online terms of service
Medical service intake forms
Retail purchase receipts
Even products with known safety risks may carry these hidden terms, making it harder for victims to sue after injury or fraud.
Why Companies Love Forced Arbitration—and You Shouldn’t
Corporations write these clauses to shield themselves from accountability. Arbitration proceedings favor businesses because:
They select the arbitration provider
They limit your ability to present evidence
They cut off your access to class actions
They often result in lower awards—or none at all
At R23 Law, our attorneys have seen how these clauses are used to silence California consumers and avoid bad press or legal precedent.
How R23 Law's Consumer Protection Team Challenges Forced Arbitration
1. We Investigate the Fine Print
Our legal team reviews every clause in the contract or agreement you signed. We look for:
Hidden arbitration language
Unconscionable contract terms
Statutory violations under California law
Illegal waiver of consumer rights
In some cases, arbitration clauses may be invalidated if they are overly broad, hidden, or violate California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) or Unfair Competition Law (UCL).
2. We Fight to Keep You in Court
Just because a contract contains an arbitration clause doesn’t mean it’s enforceable. R23 Law’s consumer protection lawyers have successfully argued that:
The consumer never received proper notice
The clause is procedurally and substantively unconscionable
The arbitration agreement conflicts with state consumer protection statutes
The dispute falls outside the scope of the clause
Our trial-ready litigation strategy gives you the best chance of avoiding forced arbitration and keeping your case in open court where it belongs.
What You Can Do to Avoid Forced Arbitration
While we can often challenge these clauses after harm occurs, California consumers can take proactive steps to protect themselves:
Read contracts carefully – Search for the terms “arbitration,” “waiver,” or “class action.”
Opt out if allowed – Some companies let you opt out within 30 days of purchase or signup.
Submit complaints – Regulatory complaints can put pressure on companies to change course.
Contact R23 Law immediately – If you're already in a dispute, don't wait for arbitration to begin. Early legal intervention can open up more options.
Consumers We Represent Across California
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys represent individuals across the state in arbitration-related disputes involving:
Defective products
Unfair billing or hidden fees
Financial services fraud
Unlawful data sharing or privacy breaches
Medical service agreements with arbitration traps
If you’ve suffered financial loss, injury, or been denied justice because of a forced arbitration clause, our team will assess your options and help you challenge it.
Hold Corporations Accountable—Even When They Try to Silence You
Forced arbitration was designed to benefit big businesses. But at R23 Law, we’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with those same corporations to enforce your rights.
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🛑 We Fight Arbitration Clauses in Consumer Contracts
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