Fairness Over Finality: The Eleventh Circuit Recognizes Equitable Tolling in NuVasive, Inc. v. Absolute Medical, LLC

Authors

• Jamie A. Meyers, Penn State Dickinson Law, University Park

First Paragraph

Courts vacate only about ten percent of challenged arbitration awards. Vacatur is rare under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) because courts may only set aside awards in narrow circumstances, including fraud, corruption, misconduct, or when arbitrators exceed their powers. In NuVasive, Inc. v. Absolute Medical, LLC, the Eleventh Circuit recognized that fairness may prevail over arbitral finality by affirming the District Court’s application of equitable tolling under the  FAA and its decision to vacate the award because it had been procured by fraud.

Recommended Citation

Jamie A. Meyers, Fairness Over Finality: The Eleventh Circuit Recognizes Equitable Tolling in NuVasive, Inc. v. Absolute Medical, LLC, 17 Arb. L. Rev. 111 (2026).