71 IAC 10-3-4 Filing pleadings

Sec. 4. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, an original and one (1) copy of each pleading must be filed with the commission. An original and one (1) copy of each pleading relating to discovery must be filed with the commission. A pleading is considered filed only when actually received by the commission. Each pleading must include a certification that a copy has been served on each party of record, stating the name of each party served and the date and manner of service. (b) A pleading sent to the commission by first class United States mail in an envelope or wrapper properly addressed and stamped shall comply with Indiana Rule of Trial Procedure 5(B)(2). A legible postmark affixed by the United States postal service is prima facie evidence of the date of mailing. For purposes of responsive pleadings for which the deadline for filing is set by the filing of another pleading, the pleading to be filed first is considered filed when actually received by the commission. (c) Unless otherwise provided by statute, the administrative law judge for a proceeding may extend the time for filing a pleading on a motion made by a party before the filing deadline if the administrative law judge determines that there is good cause for the extension and that the need for the extension is not caused by the neglect, indifference, or lack of diligence of the party making the motion. A copy of a motion made under this section must be served on all parties of record contemporaneously with the filing of the motion. (d) A pleading may be filed by facsimile, provided an original and the required number of copies are received in the commission's office not later than 5 p.m. of the third day after the date the document was filed by facsimile. The inability to transmit a document due to equipment malfunction or any other cause does not relieve the person attempting to file the document of the filing deadline. (e) If the deadline for filing a pleading falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period is extended to include the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. (f) The failure to file a pleading in accordance with this section may result in the pleading being struck.