New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 12 - LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 235 - RULES OF THE DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Subchapter 13 - ENFORCEMENT AND COLLECTION OF NON-INSURANCE PENALTIES
Section 12:235-13.5 - Hearings
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024
(a) A hearing will be conducted by the Director/Chief Judge or designee if requested pursuant to 12:235-13.2.
(b) The employer shall have the opportunity to present any and all relevant evidence but the Director/Chief Judge or designee conducting the hearing shall not be bound by the Rules of Evidence.
(c) Penalties assessed against an employer will be dismissed upon a finding by a preponderance of the credible proof that the requirements of Article 5 and related sections of the Workers' Compensation Act were met as of the date of the issuance of the initial notice of violation.
(d) If, upon finding that the employer was in violation of 34:15-7 et seq., a portion or all of the administrative penalty assessed in the initial notice of violation may be abated by the Director/Chief Judge or designee based on the following factors:
(e) If, as the result of a hearing, pursuant to this subchapter, an initial penalty amount is abated in part upon condition of timely payment, in whole or by installment, said employer shall make payment in strict accordance with the schedule of payments set forth by the Director/Chief Judge or designee. If the conditions of the penalty abatement order are not met, the abatement shall, upon further order of the Director/Chief Judge or designee, and without further hearing, be rescinded and the full amount of the initial assessment shall be due and owing.
(f) The Director/Chief Judge or designee shall issue a final administrative order within a reasonable time following the conclusion of the hearing.