Opinion ID: 1177167
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: 30-day time limit

Text: The SIIS contends that the 30-day time limit specified in NRS 616.5422(1) is jurisdictional and not procedural, and, thus, the district court erred in finding respondent's untimely appeal excusable. NRS 616.5422(1) is silent as to whether or not the time limit can be excused. Where the statute is silent, the time period for perfecting an appeal is generally considered to be mandatory, not procedural. 1A Sutherland, Statutes and Statutory Construction, § 25.04 (4th Ed. 1984). Time periods for worker's compensation appeals are not treated differently. 3 Larson, Workmen's Compensation Law, § 80.52(a) (1983). What appears to be a majority of jurisdictions has concluded that the statutory time limit to appeal a worker's compensation claim is mandatory and jurisdictional. [3] We agree with this view, and thus hold that the 30-day time limit in NRS 616.5422(1) is jurisdictional and mandatory. The district court erred in excusing respondent from the mandatory time limit. Accordingly, the lower court's decision is reversed and the appeals officer's dismissal is reinstated.