Opinion ID: 1877626
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 16

Heading: prosecution of claim before judge of industrial claims

Text: (a) When a claim for compensation or medical benefits is filed with the Bureau, claimant shall diligently prosecute his claim. If the testimony of the parties is not concluded within ninety days from the date set for the first hearing, the claim shall thereupon be determined by the judge on the evidence which has been submitted. For good cause shown, the judge may grant such extension of time as may be reasonably required, provided application therefor is made by any party by petition filed with the judge prior to the expiration of the said ninety-day period. In no event shall the time be extended on the application of any party beyond eight months, from the date set for the first hearing to take the testimony. This time limitation shall also apply to cases arising under F.S. Section 440.28, F.S.A., and to cases on remand to a judge when a hearing is set to take additional testimony, but shall not apply to cases where proof is presented to the judge showing that the party is in such physical or mental state that he cannot testify during the period above limited. (b) When a hearing has been set by a judge, all parties shall present their testimony on the date set for from day to day thereafter. If a motion for continuance is made or the parties or their counsel agree to a continuance of the cause, the same must be considered by the judge and if he finds that the continuance is in the best interests of justice, and does not prejudice the rights of any of the parties, the continuance may be granted within the time limited herein for taking testimony, or any extension of the time.