Opinion ID: 1406121
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: did the trial court err in submitting nationwide's statute of limitations defense to the arbitrator?

Text: The Hillmans argue that the trial court erred in submitting Nationwide's statute of limitations defense to the arbitrator. Though neither party states which statute of limitations they are referring to, we assume that they are referring to the two-year period of limitations applicable to death [7] or injury [8] which would pertain to a claim by the Hillmans against the uninsured motorist. There is no dispute that the Hillmans initiated a claim against Nationwide within two years of the accident. The insurance policy does not require the Hillmans to file suit against the uninsured motorist, and thus Nationwide cannot use that as a defense. If the Hillmans had failed to make a timely demand on Nationwide, such that Nationwide might have lost subrogation rights against the uninsured motorist, then Nationwide might have an arguable defense. This is not the case here. Thus we reverse the trial court's determination and hold as a matter of law that there is no statute of limitations defense applicable in this case.