Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 07, July 26, 2024
Section 67-603 - Employer's Answer to a Request for Hearing, Time for Filing and ServiceA. The employer's representative shall respond to a Form 50 by preparing a Form 51 and respond to a Form 52 by preparing a Form 53.B. The employer's attorney shall fully state its position and defenses, if any, replying to each specification in the Form 50 or Form 52 and: (1) File the Form 51 or Form 53 and a proof of service with the Commission's Judicial Department within thirty days of service of the Form 50 or Form 52; and(2) Serve the claimant a copy of the Form 51 or Form 53 according to R.67-211.C. Failure to file a Form 51 or Form 53 within the period in section B(1) shall be deemed a general denial of liability for the benefits claimed and the employer and its representative by the failure to respond within the period in section B(1) shall forfeit each special and affirmative defense allowed by the Act including the defenses available in Sections 42-9-60, 42-15-20, 42-15-40, and 42-17-90 of the Act.D. When under the laws of this State an employer and its insurance carrier, if any, are required to be represented by an attorney in a contested case hearing, its attorney must file a letter of representation with the Judicial Department and provide a copy to the opposing party no later than sixty days from the date of service of the Form 50 or Form 52.E. A Form 51 must describe with as much specificity as possible the defenses to be relied upon by the defendants. A Form 51 shall not state "all defenses apply" or other similar language unless such is actually the case. A Form 51 not complying with this regulation shall not be considered at a hearing.Amended by State Register Volume 21, Issue No. 4, eff April 25, 1997; State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 2, eff February 26, 2010.