The Big Picture Terms

Arbitration
A private legal proceeding that happens by agreement outside of traditional courts. Think of it like having a neutral referee (called an arbitrator) decide your dispute instead of a judge. 

Mass Arbitration
When hundreds or thousands (or sometimes even millions) of people file individual arbitration claims against the same company at roughly the same time to address the same or similar injury. It's not one big case; each person has their own claim, but they're coordinated for maximum impact and efficiency. Think of it as strength in numbers, but you still control your own case.

Class Action
One big lawsuit filed on behalf of a large group of people who suffered harm relating to a common issue. A few representatives make decisions for everyone, and usually any award or settlement gets divided among all class members.

Settlement
When a company defending claims agrees to a negotiated solution (which can involve paying out money and committing to other actions to address what they allegedly did wrong) to resolve them instead of continuing to engage in a trial or arbitration proceeding. The defendant essentially says, "We'd rather pay you to make this go away than fight it." Most corporate accountability cases end in settlements rather than completed trials or arbitrations.

The Fine Print

Terms of Service (TOS) / Terms & Conditions
That wall of text you scroll through and click "I agree" on when signing up for apps, services, or websites – which usually results in a binding contract. Buried in there are often rules about how disputes get handled and many companies use these to limit your legal options.

Mandatory Arbitration Clause
A sneaky provision in those TOS that usually says if you have a problem with the company, you can't sue them in regular court or join a class action. Instead, you have to go through private arbitration. Due to a 2011 Supreme Court case, these provisions are usually legally binding.

Opt-Out Window
Some companies’ TOS allow you to opt out of their arbitration clause – they often require you to formally do so within a short period (usually 30-60 days) after agreeing to their terms and if you miss this window, you're stuck with arbitration. Most people never even know this option exists.

Behind the Scenes

Case
At Chariot, it is a coordinated effort where multiple people file claims against the same company for a similar type of wrongdoing (think “data breach” or “hidden fees”).

Claim
Your individual piece of a larger case. When you sign up through Chariot, we’re helping you file your own personal claim for the harm you experienced, but as part of a coordinated mass arbitration to apply pressure and maximize your compensation.

Claimant
That's you! Someone who has been harmed and is seeking compensation through a legal claim.

Eligible
You qualify for a particular case based on specific criteria. For example, maybe you had to live in certain states, used a service during specific dates, or experienced particular types of harm.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to memorize all these terms, but understanding the basics helps you make informed decisions about your rights. Companies often count on legal jargon being confusing enough that people give up. Don't let them win.

Got a term you're confused about? Let us know by emailing marketing@chariotclaims.com and we'll add it to this glossary. We're here to make this process as clear and straightforward as possible, and do all of the heavy-lifting for you.

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