What happens if I don’t file an answer to the penalty petition on time?
The Commission’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will issue an Order to Show Cause. This order will state that you need to file an answer within a specified time or explain why you failed to answer the penalty petition. You must answer the Judge’s order as directed or you will be held in default, your case will be dismissed, and the Judge will order you to pay the proposed penalty. An answer is a short and plain statement responding to each allegation made in the Secretary of Labor’s petition. You must file your answer or response to the show cause order with the Commission at the following address: Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 601 New Jersey Ave., NW, Suite 9500 Washington, D.C.
