Walsh v. Schneider National Carriers

The question in the present case is whether the industrial commissioner was empowered to dismiss a claimant’s petition for workers’ compensation benefits on the grounds that claimant had failed to comply with numerous agency orders regarding discovery. The claimant argues that the industrial commissioner does not have the inherent power to dismiss a claim or employ sanctions. We disagree, and affirm the judgment of the district court.

The claimant, M.J. Walsh, filed her petition for workers’ compensation benefits on January 6, 1989, alleging a work-related injury that occurred in 1988. The…