Opinion ID: 1210296
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: waiver of the limitation period

Text: Appellant's next contention is that appellee waived its right to assert the limitation period because appellee, prior to the compensation hearing, indicated an intent to waive the requirement and the Deputy Attorney General advised that a claim should be filed. HRS § 386-83(b) sets forth circumstances in which an employer may be deemed to have waived the limitation period: (b) Unless the employer is prejudiced thereby, failure to make a claim within the time prescribed in section 386-82 shall not bar a claim to compensation if objection to such failure is not raised at the first hearing on the claim of which the employer is given reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard. Section 386-83(b) manifests a clear policy in favor of adjudication of claims on the merits. Unless an employer is able to show that he is prejudiced by an employee's delay in filing, he must object to the delay at the first compensation hearing. Failure to object constitutes a waiver of the limitation period. At the first hearing on appellant's claim appellee asserted and, accordingly, did not waive the limitation period. Appellant's argument is, therefore, without merit.