In Oregon, workers compensation insurance covers almost every working person, with the exception of federal government employees and certain seafaring jobs. The worker’s comp system is meant to pay benefits to anyone who suffers an injury or debilitating disease in the course of their work.
Every working person has the legal right to file a claim, but the systems and processes through which a claim is successfully processed can be very confusing to the layperson. A qualified lawyer can be a major asset in getting your claim processed in a timely and satisfactory manner, especially when you’re busy recovering from an injury and not in the mood for paperwork.
If your employer is trying to intimidate (or otherwise influence) you into saying your injury did not occur on the job, they’re breaking the law. Contact an attorney and/or the state labor authorities for help.
What Does Workers Comp Cover?
Workers compensation insurance covers both medical expenses and lost wages. In 2018, workers compensation programs paid out nearly 63 billion dollars to injured workers in the United States.If your on-the-job injury has left you permanently disabled and unable to return to your job, you may be entitled to additional benefits to help with the cost of training for a new career. Lastly, if someone is fatally injured on the job, the worker’s compensation system pays out benefits to their surviving spouse and/or children.
Filing for Workers Comp in Oregon
The first step to file for workers compensation in Oregon is to notify your employer. Once notified of your injury, your employer is legally obligated to file a Form 801 with their insurance company within five days.
Why You Should Get a Lawyer
Depending on your relationship with your employer, the very first step of notifying your workplace can be extremely intimidating. If you’re worried about your employer trying to influence you, or failing to file your claim properly, you should contact a qualified attorney to help you.
A high-powered attorney will also help you get timely and satisfactory answers from your employer, their insurance company, and the state throughout the course of your claim. If you need to file a worker’s compensation claim, contact Shlesinger & deVilleneuve for a consultation today.
