State Farm Mutual Insurance v. Blevins

This case presents two issues. First, what is the scope of the arbitrators’ power to award damages under the insurance contract? Second, did the arbitrators exceed their power by awarding punitive damages?

I

The power of Ohio courts to review an arbitration is defined by R.C. 2711.10, which states:

“In any of the following cases, the court of common pleas shall make an order vacating the award upon the application of any party to the arbitration if:

a * * *

“(D) The arbitrators exceeded their powers, or so imperfectly executed them that a mutual, final, and definite award upon the subject matter…