Backstory:
06/05/2017: Here is the relevant post for some additional clarity on the matter: Arbitration Clause Account Credits vs Money Stipulation.
I went through arbitration with a company after some issues with a promotional credit obligation not being fulfilled appropriately. Everything with that case has seemingly been complete and they've sent the check for the amount that the arbitrator awarded.
However, their Customer Service Agreement has a clause that may result in them paying an increased amount (about 5x the awarded amount). There's definitely back-and-forth between us on whether they need to pay that or not. The arbitration service is CC'd on all the emails, but they're passive since the clause doesn't seem to involve them changing the reward amount.
I've had the check for about a week now and I'm considering cashing it to cover some financial obligations coming up in the next week or so. I'm here to try and understand what limitations may pop up if I do decide to cash the check.
Questions:
If I cash the check, will I ruin my opportunity to keep pursuing them for the increased amount?
Is there any merit to me sending them an email stating that I'll be cashing the check due to financial needs, but that the act of me doing that is not settling for the amount they paid (if that even has any legal ground)?