R.I. Workers' Comp. Ct. R. Prac. 2.4

In all matters in which a claim for trial has been filed

following the entry of a pretrial order, the court may conduct an initial hearing in

order to reduce the issues in dispute and to arrange a trial and briefing schedule.

No oral testimony shall be taken at the initial hearing, however, the hearing may

be on the record at the discretion of the trial judge and all agreements made shall be

binding. Documentary evidence, including depositions, medical affidavits, and Non-

conforming Documents pursuant to Art. X, Rule 4(b) of the Rhode Island Supreme

Court Rules Governing Electronic Filing, which the parties intend to introduce at

trial shall be identified or submitted to the court. All motions to compel production

filed by either party in accordance with W.C.C.-R.P. 2.17 shall be heard on the

record or resolved by stipulation, at the discretion of the trial judge, at the time of

the initial hearing. The trial judge shall rule on any objections to the production of

documents at the initial hearing. If there are any subsequent requests for production

or objections raised during the course of the trial, such requests shall be heard at a

time scheduled by the trial judge. The parties shall identify any witnesses whom they

intend to testify before the court and provide three (3) dates upon which each witness

is available to testify. The parties shall, at the request of the trial judge, designate

trial counsel.

The initial hearing shall not be waived without leave of the trial judge. In the

event that a party fails to appear at the initial hearing, the trial judge may enter orders

adverse to the party so failing to appear and/or impose other sanctions deemed

appropriate.