Consolidation of Claims

PURPOSE: This rule outlines how a consolidation of claims is to be handled. (1) All claims of all persons arising out of the same injury or death shall be filed in the same proceeding. (2) The administrative law judge may order the consolidation of two (2) or more related proceedings arising out of the same accident for the purpose of taking evidence. In the event of consolidation, all documentary evidence previously filed or filed after that in any such proceeding shall be filed in the proceeding designated by the administrative law judge as the master proceeding and when so filed shall be considered evidence and part of the record in each of the consolidated proceedings. (3) Separate pleadings, however, must be filed and separate findings and awards made in each of the proceedings. Joint transcripts of the evidence may be made and a copy filed in each of the consolidated cases or in the master proceeding. AUTHORITY: section 286.060, RSMo 1986.* This version of rule filed Dec. 18, 1975, effective Dec. 28, 1975. *Original authority: 286.060, RSMo 1945, amended 1947, 1980.