A. Cases will be heard by a trial judge of the Workers' Compensation Court in either Oklahoma City or Tulsa, and as otherwise provided by law. The Court shall establish venue for claims pursuant to a proportionate division of the counties of the state as determined by the Court Administrator. Objections to venue shall be filed and submitted to the assigned trial judge within ten (10) days of receipt of the first hearing docket notice.

B. Consolidation of cases involving the same claimant may be made for hearing purposes only at the discretion of the trial judge assigned to the lowest case number, upon request of either party. Cases consolidated for purposes of hearing only shall maintain individual case numbers and shall remain subject to a separate filing fee and costs, as set out in 85 O.S., Section 368(A) and Rule 28. Cases involving the same claim shall be consolidated to the lowest case number. All motions and requests to consolidate shall be set for prehearing conference prior to the entry of a Court order sustaining or overruling the motion for case consolidation.