Sanctions

A. The judge may sanction any party, attorney, or personal representative for conduct that interferes with the orderly administration of the court or a hearing, including, but not limited to: (1) rejecting a recommended resolution without reasonable basis, or without reasonable expectation of doing better at formal hearing; (2) failing to obey a lawful order of the court; (3) failing to appear for a hearing or deposition; (4) advancing a meritless position in order to harass or vex the opposing party; or (5) unreasonable conduct during a deposition. B. The judge will conduct a separate hearing on the imposition of sanctions according to the procedures in this part. C. As a sanction, the judge may do any or all of the following: (1) assess reasonable attorney’s fees against a party pursuant to Section 52-1-54 NMSA 1978; (2) reduce the fees of an attorney for a party; (3) assess prejudgment interest from the date of the recommended resolution in the claim; (4) strike a claim or defense; (5) limit the evidence which may be introduced; (6) dismiss an action; (7) order the suspension or forfeiture of compensation benefits; (8) assess expenses and costs against a party; or (9) impose a civil penalty pursuant to Sections 52-1-28.1, 52-1-28.2, 52-3-45.1 or 52-3-45.2 NMSA 1978. D. For patterns of misconduct beyond a single case, the judge may refer the matter to the WCA enforcement bureau for further investigation, administrative prosecution and imposition of penalties.