(a) If the parties to an agreement to arbitrate agree on a method for appointing an arbitrator, that method must be followed, unless the method fails. If the parties have not agreed on a method, the agreed method fails or an arbitrator appointed fails or is unable to act and a successor has not been appointed, the court, on motion of a party to the arbitration proceeding, shall appoint the arbitrator. An arbitrator so appointed has all the powers of an arbitrator designated in the agreement to arbitrate or appointed pursuant to the agreed method.
(b) An individual who has a known, direct and material interest in the outcome of the arbitration proceeding or a known, existing and substantial relationship with a party may not serve as an arbitrator required by an agreement to be neutral.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 55. Actions, Suits and Arbitration; Judicial Sale
§55-10-2. Declaration of Public Policy; Legislative Findings
§55-10-5. When Article Applies
§55-10-6. Effect of Agreement to Arbitrate; Nonwaivable Provisions
§55-10-7. Application for Judicial Relief
§55-10-8. Validity of Agreement to Arbitrate
§55-10-9. Motion to Compel or Stay Arbitration
§55-10-10. Provisional Remedies
§55-10-11. Initiation of Arbitration
§55-10-12. Consolidation of Separate Arbitration Proceedings
§55-10-13. Appointment of Arbitrator; Service as a Neutral Arbitrator
§55-10-14. Disclosure by Arbitrator
§55-10-16. Immunity of Arbitrator; Competency to Testify; Attorney's Fees and Costs
§55-10-17. Arbitration Process
§55-10-18. Representation by Lawyer
§55-10-19. Witnesses; Subpoenas; Depositions; Discovery
§55-10-20. Judicial Enforcement of Preaward Ruling by Arbitrator
§55-10-22. Change of Award by Arbitrator
§55-10-23. Remedies; Fees and Expenses of Arbitration Proceeding
§55-10-24. Confirmation of Award
§55-10-26. Modification or Correction of Award
§55-10-27. Judgment on Award; Attorneys' Fees and Litigation Expenses
§55-10-31. Uniformity of Application and Construction
§55-10-32. Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act