(a) In an investigation into any matter arising under this chapter, the Insurance Commissioner may cause depositions of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for like depositions in the circuit court, but the depositions shall be upon reasonable notice to claimant and employer or other affected persons or their respective attorneys.
(b) The Insurance Commissioner also has discretion to accept and consider depositions taken within or without the state by either the claimant or employer or other affected person, provided due and reasonable notice of the taking of the depositions was given to the other parties or their attorneys, if any: Provided, That the Insurance Commissioner, upon due notice to the parties, has authority to refuse or permit the taking of depositions or to reject the depositions after they are taken, if they were taken at a place or under circumstances which imposed an undue burden or hardship upon the other parties. The Insurance Commissioners discretion to accept, refuse to approve or reject the depositions is binding in the absence of abuse of the discretion.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 23. Workers' Compensation
Article 1. General Administrative Provisions
§23-1-1. Regulation of the Workers Compensation System by the Insurance Commissioner; Findings
§23-1-1b. Powers and Duties of Insurance Commissioner
§23-1-1c. Payment Withholding; Interception; Penalty
§23-1-1d. Rules of Former Division of Workers Compensation
§23-1-1g. Legislative Intent to Create a Quasi-Public Entity
§23-1-2. Oversight of the Workers Compensation Commission
§23-1-3. Payment of Salaries and Expenses Generally; Manner; Limitation
§23-1-4. Records; Confidentiality; Exceptions
§23-1-4a. Bond for Executive Director and Associate Director
§23-1-5. Office of Insurance Commissioner; Hearings
§23-1-6. Employment of Associate Director and Other Assistants; Compensation and Travel Expenses
§23-1-8. Authority of Insurance Commissioner and Employees as to Oaths and Evidence
§23-1-9. Compelling Compliance With Order or Subpoena
§23-1-10. Fee of Officer Serving Subpoena; Fees and Mileage of Witnesses
§23-1-11. Depositions; Investigations
§23-1-12. Copies of Proceedings as Evidence
§23-1-15. Procedure Before Insurance Commissioner
§23-1-17. Annual Report by the Insurance Commissioner and Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board
§23-1-18. Insurance Commissioner Employees Not Subject to Subpoena for Workers Compensation Hearings
§23-1-20. Employment Preference for Employees in Workers Compensation Litigation Unit
§23-1-21. Authorization to Require the Electronic Invoices and Transfers