Arbitrator's expenses award rescinded for lack of reasons; dismissal of special award claim upheld.
The appellants, minors injured in a motor vehicle accident, appealed an Arbitrator's decision dismissing their claim for a special award and ordering them to pay the insurer's expenses.
The Director's Delegate found that the Arbitrator breached natural justice by failing to provide reasons for the expenses award, rescinding that portion of the order and remitting it for a re-hearing.
However, the Delegate upheld the dismissal of the special award claim, finding the Arbitrator correctly concluded there was insufficient evidence that the insurer unreasonably withheld or delayed payments.
The Delegate also held that while the Arbitrator may have erred in applying witness notice rules to a party, the exclusion of the appellant's testimony had no bearing on the outcome.
OFSCDRSOntario Financial Services Commission - Dispute Resolution ServicesMay 19, 2017