Subdivision 1. Affidavit of inability to obtain service. Where an employee or an employee's dependent has filed a petition for compensation with the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry, and is unable to make service of the petition and other notices on the employer because the latter is a nonresident or a foreign corporation, the petitioner may file an affidavit with the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry stating that the petitioner is so unable to make service.

Subd. 2. Action in district court. When the petitioner has filed the affidavit with the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry, the petitioner may bring an action against the employer in the district court located in the county in which the employee resided at the time of the injury or death. The action shall be brought and conducted in the same manner as are other civil actions in district court. The complaint shall state that a petition for compensation has been filed with the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry, and shall be accompanied by a verified copy of the affidavit. The complaint shall also state the facts upon which the right to compensation or other relief is based.

Subd. 3. Attachment, garnishment; service by publication. The remedies of attachment and garnishment are available to the petitioner in the district court action. Service of summons may be made by publication.

Subd. 4. General appearances; security, bond. Where the employer makes a general appearance in the district court action and files a bond or security approved by the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry, or where an insurer appears generally in the action and assumes liability for any award which may be rendered against the employer, the district court shall dismiss the action.

History: 1953 c 755 s 45; Ex1967 c 1 s 6; 1973 c 388 s 89-91; 1986 c 444