WINCHESTER, J.
¶ 1 We need to address only one issue in this Workers' Compensation matter and that
¶ 2 The claimant, Anthony Cellino, was injured on the job on April 4, 1995, with re-injury on December 17, 1995. His claims were consolidated for purposes of his claim against the Multiple Injury Trust Fund (the Fund). On March 13, 1997, he was awarded benefits against the Fund in the amount of $4,100.00. On May 30, 2000, he received a check from the Fund for $5,202.26.
¶ 3 Then in August of 2003, Cellino filed a request for additional unpaid principal and interest based on an award from an order entered in 1997. The final payment of that order was made by the Fund in May of 2000. Cellino additionally sought class action status and relief for similarly situated claimants who are seeking interest on previously awarded benefits against the Fund, and whose final orders were entered after May 9, 1996.
¶ 4 On July 29, 2009, Cellino filed a motion to compel discovery responses, which were answered by the Fund on August 10. The Fund filed its motion for summary judgment on August 14. One of the assertions was that the case should be dismissed for failure to prosecute pursuant to 85 O.S.Supp.1995, 43(B).
¶ 5 After remand, the trial court issued its December 7, 2012, order certifying a class consisting of persons awarded benefits against the Fund after May 9, 1996, but which were not timely paid. A three-judge panel affirmed in part and modified in part the trial court order that certified the class action. The modifications were minor word changes that did not affect the substance of the court's order. This Court retained the case.
¶ 6 The Fund argues that Cellino's August 22, 2003, request for class certification is a "claim for compensation" and is subject to 85 O.S.Supp.1995, 43(B), if a final hearing is not requested within five years of the last payment of compensation. Cellino argues that 43(B) does not apply in cases such as this where a final determination of benefits has already been made and the request is for post-judgment interest on the final award. Regardless of how Cellino's August 22, 2003, request for class certification is characterized, that filing invoked the jurisdiction of the Workers' Compensation Court and sought an award from the Fund for "unpaid principal and post award interest due to him" and other similarly situated claimants. To adjudicate the claimant's request, the Workers' Compensation Court must make a final determination as to whether a class should be certified, and if so, the amount owed to each class member. The five-year time limitation found in 43(B) applies to this case.
¶ 7 Under 43(B), if after the filing of a claim, any five-year period passes in which there has not been a good faith effort to receive a hearing and final determination, the case must be dismissed. In re Death of Hendricks, 1991 OK 52, ¶ 12, 812 P.2d 1361, 1364. Section 43(B) applies to claims against
¶ 8 Claimant states that because of the ongoing Dean litigation,
ORDER OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT VACATED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS.
CONCUR: COMBS, V.C.J., KAUGER, WATT, WINCHESTER, EDMONDSON, TAYLOR, GURICH, JJ.
DISSENT: REIF, C.J., COLBERT, J.
TAYLOR, J., with whom COMBS, V.C.J. joins, Concurring.
"I would further hold that a class-action lawsuit is not available in the Workers' Compensation Court."