PROCEDURE
4. The respondent has
thirty days after the applicant’s filing in which to file a
written answer. If a respondent fails to submit its answer within
thirty days after an applicant files, it is presumed that the
applicant’s claim has been denied and the case is ready for hearing
on the issues. Failure to file an answer will not operate to delay
the arbitration hearing. However, if affirmative defenses are
available to the respondent, and are not asserted by answer prior to
notice of hearing, the applicant, on request, will be entitled to an
adjournment to investigate such affirmative defenses.
