Failing to Read a Contract Before Signing Does Not Eliminate Terms of Contract

Arbitration is favored in Iowa because it enables parties to resolve their disputes while avoiding the expense and delay of traditional civil litigation while relying on experts in the subject matter to review the matter. Because of this policy, arbitration awards are presumed to be valid and enforceable. But, to be upheld, there must have been a valid agreement between the parties to arbitrate and the controversy between the parties must be subject to the agreement. In the following case, the Iowa Supreme Court reviewed whether an agreement to arbitrate existed when the agreement was included within written confirmations of grain contracts initially executed over the telephone.