788.11 Modification of award.
(1) In either of the following cases the court in and for the county wherein the award was made must make an order modifying or correcting the award upon the application of any party to the arbitration:
(a) Where there was an evident material miscalculation of figures or an evident material mistake in the description of any person, thing or property referred to in the award;
(b) Where the arbitrators have awarded upon a matter not submitted to them unless it is a matter not affecting the merits of the decision upon the matters submitted;
(c) Where the award is imperfect in matter of form not affecting the merits of the controversy.
(2) The order must modify and correct the award, so as to effect the intent thereof and promote justice between the parties.
History: 1979 c. 32 s. 64; Stats. 1979 s. 788.11.
The intent of the parties controls a determination under sub. (1) (b) whether a matter was submitted to the arbitrator. Milwaukee Professional Fire Fighters Local 215 v. Milwaukee, 78 Wis. 2d 1, 253 N.W.2d 481 (1977).
A court had no jurisdiction to vacate or modify an award if grounds under s. 788.10 or 788.11 did not exist. Milwaukee Police Association v. Milwaukee, 92 Wis. 2d 175, 285 N.W.2d 133 (1979).
The arbitration panel's decision in this case was properly modified by the circuit court under ss. 788.10 and 788.11 because the arbitrators exceeded their authority by failing to fully review and apply the supreme court's decisions on the collateral source rule and the law of damages. Orlowski v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, 2012 WI 21, 339 Wis. 2d 1, 810 N.W.2d 775, 09-2848.