2A:23B-21 Remedies; fees and expenses of arbitration proceeding.

21. Remedies; Fees and Expenses of Arbitration Proceeding.

a. An arbitrator may award punitive damages or other exemplary relief if such an award is authorized by law in a civil action involving the same claim and the evidence produced at the hearing justifies the award in accordance with the legal standards otherwise applicable to the claim.

b. An arbitrator may award reasonable attorney's fees and other reasonable expenses of arbitration if such an award is authorized by law in a civil action involving the same claim or by the agreement of the parties to the arbitration proceeding.

c. As to all remedies other than those authorized by subsections a. and b. of this section, an arbitrator may order such remedies as the arbitrator considers just and appropriate under the circumstances of the arbitration proceeding. The fact that such a remedy could not or would not be granted by the court is not a ground for refusing to confirm an award pursuant to section 22 of this act or for vacating an award pursuant to section 23 of this act.

d. An arbitrator's expenses and fees, together with other expenses, shall be paid as provided in the award.

e. If an arbitrator awards punitive damages or other exemplary relief pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the arbitrator shall specify in the award the basis in fact justifying and the basis in law authorizing the award and state separately the amount of the punitive damages or other exemplary relief.

L.2003,c.95,s.21.