N.C. Industrial Comm. Posts Nov. Hearings Schedule

The North Carolina Industrial Commission announced that effective Sept. 8, workers’ compensation cases tentatively identified for docketing in November 2003 are posted on the commission’s Web site at www.comp.state.nc.us.

The link to the November 2003 list of cases is located on the front page of the Web site, identified as “Master List of Cases For Docketing, November 2003, by Deputy Commissioner Section” (located below the section “Liquidations and Bankruptcies”). Cases identified for docketing in November are posted by Region/IC File Number, Alpha Plaintiff, and Alpha Defendant.

Requests for continuances, removals and potential additions are due no later than 12:00 noon, Sept. 16, 2003. All requests should include the reason for the request with a copy to opposing counsel or the pro se party. If the case is still in mediation or should be mediated, please note this fact specifically. Continuances, removals and potential additions should be requested by e-mail transmission to Stephen T. Gheen, chief deputy commissioner at gheen@ind.commerce.state.nc.us.

Due to the retirement of Deputy Commissioners Bain Jones and Amy Pfeiffer, the commission stressed that it is particularly important in this scheduling cycle that counsel identify cases not ready for hearing. There are only thirteen available Deputy Commissioners to hear some 420 workers’ compensation cases and state tort claims.

Trial counsel are reminded that any case anticipated to require four or more hours for hearing is considered a “special set.” The Deputy Commissioner Section schedules “special set” cases on individual dockets to accommodate anticipated length of hearing. Counsel should review the cases posted and identify those cases that qualify as a “special set,” an immediately contact the deputy commissioner’s office by e-mail, including the anticipated length of hearing, in order to properly schedule these cases.

For more information visit the commission Web site at www.comp.state.nc.us.