Industra/Matrix Joint Venture v. Pope & Talbot, Inc.

This case requires us to determine whether claims based on breach of contract and quantum meruit must go to arbitration under an agreement between the parties to arbitrate certain matters. Industra/Matrix Joint Venture (plaintiff) initiated this action, seeking $2.6 million in damages from Pope & Talbot, Inc. (defendant). Plaintiff later filed a petition to compel arbitration and to abate the action pending arbitration. Defendant opposed that petition and also filed a motion for summary judgment asserting that plaintiff was statutorily precluded from commencing either litigation or…