Heartland Express v. Gardner

CADY, Justice.

In this appeal, we must decide whether the workers’ compensation commissioner had subject matter jurisdiction over an employee’s claim for benefits. If the commissioner had jurisdiction over the claim, we must further consider whether a new hearing date should have been granted and whether the commissioner’s determination as to the employee’s industrial disability was supported' by substantial evidence. Ultimately, we do not reach these latter issues because we find the first issue— relating to subject matter jurisdiction— dispositive.

I. Background Facts and Proceedings.

James…