CLAIM NO. E715245
Before the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission
ORDER FILED NOVEMBER 5, 1998
Upon review before the FULL COMMISSION in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.
Claimant represented by GINGER ATKINSON, Attorney at Law, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Respondents represented by FRANK B. NEWELL, Attorney at Law, Little Rock, Arkansas.
[1] ORDER[2] This case comes on for review before the Commission on claimant’s motion to extend the briefing schedule. [3] After our consideration of claimant’s motion, respondents apparent agreement thereto and all other matters properly before the Commission, we find that claimant’s motion should be granted. [4] The Administrative Law Judge found that claimant sustained a compensable injury and awarded certain compensation benefits. Respondent filed a timely notice of appeal, as well as its initial brief, to the Full Commission. In the motion, counsel for claimant indicates that respondent’s attorney “has no objection to the Court granting an extension for as much time as Claimant’s attorney needs.” Claimant’s attorney then requested an extension of 90 days. Since claimant was awarded benefits by the Administrative Law Judge and apparently has no difficulty with such a long extension and consequent delay in submission of the case for review on the merits, we grant claimant’s request for an extension of 90 days or until January 4, 1999. [5] Accordingly, we find that claimant’s motion for an extension of the briefing schedule should be, and hereby is, granted. Additionally, we direct the Clerk of the Commission to establish another briefing schedule (and submission date) with claimant’s brief by January 4, 1999, and allowing respondent an appropriate period of time within which to file a reply brief, if desired. [6] IT IS SO ORDERED. [7] ________________________________
ELDON F. COFFMAN, Chairman
________________________________ PAT WEST HUMPHREY, Commissioner
________________________________ MIKE WILSON, Commissioner