§1319. Evidence; depositions in advance of hearing

            When any of the parties deems it necessary to take the testimony of any witness who might not be available in the event a dispute ever arose under this Chapter in connection with any claim arising as a result of any accident or accidental injury covered by this Chapter, either party may take the deposition of such witness under oral examination in accordance with law. Such depositions shall be filed with the assistant secretary and may be used in evidence in any future proceeding, just as though a suit had been filed before the depositions were taken.

            Acts 1983, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, §1, eff. July 1, 1983; Acts 1985, No. 926, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986; Acts 1988, No. 938, §1, eff. July 1, 1989; Acts 1989, No. 23, §1, eff. June 15, 1989; Acts 1989, No. 260, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.