1998 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.  

    HIST: 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