Pfaff v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance

Maureen Pfaff1 appeals an order setting aside a default judgment on condition that State Farm pay terms. We affirm.

On April 29, 1996, Maureen Pfaff was injured in an auto accident. Because the other motorist was not insured, she submitted a claim to her underinsured motorist carrier, State Farm. She sought $23,000 for her injuries, and her husband sought $3,500 for loss of consortium. State Farm offered to settle for a lesser amount.

The parties could not agree on an arbitrator, so the superior court appointed one. When the arbitration hearing was held, counsel for State Farm did not call any…