New scheduling changes
Mediations
Beginning March 20, all mediations will be held by telephone.
This change is being made to free up larger hearing rooms for hearings that cannot be held by telephone. Only our larger hearing rooms allow CDC-recommended social distancing (maintaining 6 feet of distance between individuals). If you do not want your mediation held by telephone, email LeeAnn Cary to reschedule an in-person mediation to a later date.
Asbestos conferences
Beginning March 20, all asbestos conferences will be held by telephone. You will receive a conference call number from the presiding judge ahead of the conference.
Exhibits
We understand that many of your physical offices are closed and you do not have access to the printers you would normally use to print exhibits.
Going forward you must eFile your exhibits at least one day in advance of the hearing. This applies to all hearings: motion hearings, attorney fee hearings, and in-person and video evidentiary hearings. This supersedes any other order that requires paper filings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a continuance?
Evidentiary hearings are continuing as scheduled at this time. Decisions on any Motions for Continuance will be made by the assigned judge on a case-by-case basis.
Can I get my IME deadline extended?
Parties having difficulty completing the IME process within the time period provided by law may move the court for an extension. Minn. Stat. 176.151, subd. 1 provides that such motions shall be granted “upon good cause shown.”
What are the logistics for telephone proceedings?
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Notices on individual cases will not be re-issued to show an updated location.
- OAH’s Online Docket Calendar will list the location as TP-TELEPHONE.
- Some judges may communicate a conference call number in some situations to accommodate the number of parties participating.
- If a conference call number is not used, it is your responsibility to ensure the assigned judge has the correct phone number to reach you in advance of the proceeding. If the judge needs to contact you on a cell phone, or call an associate, email the telephone number to the assigned judge in advance of the conference.
- If individuals appear in person, OAH receptionists will direct them to a telephone room at OAH. Alternatively, individuals may choose to have the judge call them on their cell phone. OAH receptionists will email the judge to notify them what number to call to reach that person.
- Scheduled interpreters will continue to appear in person with the judge, with all other parties appearing by phone. CDC-recommended social distancing (maintaining 6 feet of distance between individuals) will be utilized.
Reminders
All Stipulation Status Conferences suspended
Beginning Monday, March 16, all Stipulation Status Conferences are cancelled until further notice. Notices on individual cases will not be re-issued.
All conferences by phone
Beginning Monday, March 16, all settlement conferences, 239 conferences, 106 conferences, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and attorney fee hearings in workers’ compensation will be held by telephone until further notice. Workers’ Compensation Judges will call parties and join them together on a telephone call at the already scheduled time.
What we need from you
Stay home if you need to
Please do not come to court if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or have been directed to self-quarantine as a precaution. If your client or a witness is experiencing these symptoms, please do not bring them to court.
If you cannot attend court because you are sick or quarantined, call or email the assigned judge.
Watch for more updates
The COVID-19 outbreak is an evolving situation, and our response will continue to evolve with it. We will use this GovDelivery system to notify court users of any other changes caused by COVID-19. If you need to register, visit OAH's website and use the popup window to sign up.
Ask questions
If you have any questions, please reply to this email.
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