Minn. R. 2770.4500
Reparation obligors may, by mutual agreement, include all claims arising out of the same accident or insured event for disposition by an arbitration panel under these rules, provided, however, that hearing of a matter pending before an arbitration panel under these rules will be deferred because of pending claims or suits arising out of the same accident, occurrence, or insured event unless the involved companies waive such deferment in writing.
Deferment of a hearing under subpart 1 does not relieve a respondent reparation obligor from the obligation to file its written answer asserting therein any affirmative defense to the jurisdiction of the panel to proceed with a hearing once the subject case has been removed from a deferred status. If the jurisdiction issue is raised by the written answer, the committee will forthwith pass upon the merits of the jurisdictional question even though the hearing on the issues of liability and damages will be deferred because of pending companion claims or suits not subject to arbitration. However, for the rule to apply, an arbitration committee must receive the applicant's filing 120 days prior to the running of the statute of limitations and receive the respondent's answer within 60 days thereof. If the respondent's answer is not received within the stated period, any affirmative defense running to the jurisdiction of the committee to proceed with a hearing is waived.
Minn. R. 2770.4500
Statutory Authority: MS s 65B.53