Arbitration Contract

[nasman74]

I live in Mississippi. I have a doctor appointment and his office sent me a package to fill out before coming. Included in the package is an Arbitration Contract.
This contract basically says things like...(1)in the event of any dispute, such dispute shall be settled by arbitration (2)All parties agree to be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (3)Each party shall bear their own costs and expenses (4)by signing this contract, I'm waiving my rights to a jury or court trial.
The doctor's office said I HAD to sign this to have the appointment.
Now I don't go to many doctors so I haven't had to deal with this, but it just plain sounds bad.
It appears like I'm signing away all my rights?
What happens if this guy (doctor) is actually a boob and messes up? I don't want to have to pay thousands in legal fees to get him to fix me.
Do all doctors now do this? Do I have any recourse? Is this contract really binding?
Thanks for any help

[JETX]

Originally Posted by nasman74

It appears like I'm signing away all my rights?

Not really... you are simply agreeing on what options would be available in the event that you consider taking action. As the world is becoming more litigious and the cost of malpractice insurance is to expensive, it is becoming more common for doctors to limit their liability by getting limitations from their prospective clients.

What happens if this guy (doctor) is actually a boob and messes up? I don't want to have to pay thousands in legal fees to get him to fix me.
Do all doctors now do this? Do I have any recourse? Is this contract really binding?

Then you rely on the limitations you sign.
Your options are simple.... if you don't like the terms the doctor requires, you are free to pursue another physician.