Section 176.331 Proceedings When Answer Not Filed - Minnesota Statutes

176.331 PROCEEDINGS WHEN ANSWER NOT FILED.

Except in cases involving multiple employers or multiple insurers, if an adverse party fails to file and serve an answer or obtain an extension from the commissioner or the petitioner as required by section 176.321, subdivision 3, the commissioner shall refer the matter to the chief administrative law judge for an immediate hearing and prompt award or other order. The adverse party that failed to file an answer may appear at the hearing, present evidence and question witnesses, but shall not be granted a continuance for any reason.

If an adverse party who fails to serve and file an answer is neither insured for workers' compensation liability nor a licensed self-insured as required by section 176.181 and the special compensation fund is a party to the proceeding, the commissioner or compensation judge may enter an order awarding benefits to the petitioning party without a hearing if so requested by the special compensation fund.

History:

1953 c 755 s 50; 1973 c 388 s 98; 1981 c 346 s 111; 1983 c 290 s 146; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1987 c 332 s 81