N.J. Admin. Code § 12:235-13.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 12:235-13.5 - Hearings

(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:

1. Length of time the employer was without workers' compensation coverage;

2. An occurrence of a compensable injury while the employer was uninsured;

3. Past history of violations by the employer or an entity in which the violator was an owner, officer or principal shareholder;

4. Good faith of the employer;

5. Size of the employer's business; and

6. Any other material factors which the Director/Chief Judge or designee deems appropriate.

(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met, the abatement shall, upon further order of the Director/Chief Judge or designee, and without further hearing, be rescinded and the full amount of the initial assessment shall be due and owing.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.

N.J. Admin. Code § 12:235-13.5