Godfrey v. Hartford Casualty Insurance

Talmadge, J.*

— John and Gertrude Godfrey obtained a *889$165,000 arbitration award against their insurer, Hartford Casualty Insurance Company (Hartford) from a three-member arbitration panel in an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) claim. Pursuant to the Hartford policy, the arbitration panel decision on liability was final, but either party could seek a trial de novo in court on damages if dissatisfied with the panel’s decision. Where the parties submit all issues of liability and damages to an arbitration panel, Washington’s arbitration act (Act), chapter 7.04 RCW, our code of arbitration,…