(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, where, without showing sufficient cause, the respondent fails to communicate the statement of defense of the respondent in accordance with ORS 36.498 (1) and (2), the arbitral tribunal shall continue the proceedings without treating that failure in itself as an admission of the claimant’s allegations.
(3) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, where, without showing sufficient cause, a party fails to appear at an oral hearing or to produce documentary evidence, the arbitral tribunal may continue with the proceedings and make the arbitral award on the evidence before it. [1991 c.405 §28]