Opinion ID: 1931196
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Overview of Contentions

Text: The Larkins contend that their claims are not subject to the arbitration provision included in the termite agreement because, they say, they never agreed to arbitrate the claims asserted in their complaint. Alternatively, the Larkins argue that their claims are outside the scope of the arbitration clause and the scope of the Federal Arbitration Act (the FAA). Finally, the Larkins argue that the underlying dispute does not affect interstate commerce and that, even if it did, the arbitration clause in the termite agreement is unconscionable. The Orkin defendants argue that the Larkins' claims are subject to arbitration because, they say, the arbitration clause in the termite agreement is sufficiently broad to apply retroactively to the Larkins' claims made pursuant to the termite letter. The Orkin defendants cite this Court's opinion in Ex parte Morris, 782 So.2d 249 (Ala.2000), for the proposition that broad arbitration provisions can have retroactive application. They contend that the termite agreement substantially affects interstate commerce so as to invoke the FAA. The Orkin defendants have the burden of proving the existence of a contract requiring arbitration and proving that that contract involves a transaction that substantially affects interstate commerce. Mostella v. N & N Motors, 840 So.2d 877, 880 (Ala.2002); Liberty Nat'l Life Ins. Co. v. Douglas, 826 So.2d 806 (Ala.2002); Sisters of the Visitation v. Cochran Plastering Co., 775 So.2d 759 (Ala.2000).