Opinion ID: 2090981
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Hovland

Text: Wesley Hovland was injured in an automobile accident on December 13, 1993. State Farm paid Hovland no-fault benefits through early 1994. In September 1996, Hovland began to experience flareups from the injury and he returned to his doctor for treatment. On December 9, 1996, Hovland began to submit claims to State Farm by mail. On February 20, 1997, the claims adjuster sent Hovland's physician a request for further information. The physician submitted a letter on March 24, 1997. On April 1, 1997, State Farm informed Hovland's attorney that the physician's response was insufficient. On May 5, 1997, Hovland's attorney informed State Farm that the physician had responded to the inquiry and that [he didn't] know what further information [State Farm] want[s] or that would be relevant to this claim. The attorney requested payment by May 13 and informed State Farm that if payment was not made Hovland would file for arbitration. After receiving no response, Hovland filed a petition for no-fault arbitration on May 14, 1997. On August 27, 1997, State Farm sent Hovland a letter informing him that an IME had been scheduled for September 27. Hovland refused to attend. The arbitration hearing was held on November 3, 1997. The arbitrator awarded Hovland a portion of his claimed benefits. The district court granted State Farm's motion to vacate the arbitrator's award. The court of appeals affirmed the district court.