04 NCAC 10B .0206. HEARINGS

(a)  The Commission may, on its own motion, order a hearing, rehearing, or pre-trial conference of any tort claim in dispute.

(b)  The Commission shall set a contested case for hearing in a location deemed convenient to witnesses and the Commission, and conducive to an early and just resolution of disputed issues.

(c)  The Commission may issue writs of habeas corpus ad testificandum in cases arising under the Tort Claims Act. Requests for issuance of a writ of habeas corpus ad testificandum shall be sent to the Docket Section of the Commission if the case has not been set on a calendar for hearing.  If the case has been set on a hearing calendar, the request shall be sent to the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner before whom the case is set.

(d)  The Commission shall give notice of a hearing in every case.  A motion for a continuance shall be allowed only by the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner before whom the case is set in the interests of justice or to promote judicial economy.  Where a party has not notified the Commission of the attorney representing the party prior to the mailing of calendars for hearing, notice to that party constitutes notice to the party's attorney.

(e)  In cases involving property damage of less than five hundred dollars ($500.00), the Commission shall, upon its own motion or upon the motion of either party, order a telephonic hearing on the matter.

(f)  All subpoenas shall be issued in accordance with Rule 45 of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, with the exception that production of public records or hospital records as provided in Rule 45(c)(2), shall be served upon the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner before whom the case is calendared, or upon the Docket Section of the Commission should the case not be calendared.

(g)  In the event of inclement weather or natural disaster, hearings set by the Commission shall be cancelled or delayed when the proceedings before the General Court of Justice in that county are cancelled or delayed.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143-296; 143-300;

Eff. January 1, 1989;

Recodified from 04 NCAC 10B .0202 Eff. April 17, 2000;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2014; January 1, 2011; May 1, 2000.