Workers’ compensation insurance can help you with lost wages and costs for medical care, but not if there is too much lost time. Oregon has very strict timelines when it comes to workers’ comp claims. If you think you may be injured, you’re better off taking precautions and explore your workers’ compensation rights than waiting and risking feeling pain later, sometimes too late to get benefits.
Workers’ comp is there to protect you in the event of a workplace injury, but you can’t take it for granted. At the first sign of pain, get the ball rolling. You should report the injury to your employer immediately. Remember, once worker’s comp policies come into play, it’s largely going to be your employer’s insurance company calling the shots. That’s why often, you need legal representation.
Deadlines and Time Limits
If you don’t involve an attorney right away, you’re walking through a minefield of legal deadlines. Oregon doesn’t just have tight restrictions for initial claims. If an initial claim is rejected, you only have 60 days to appeal. Don’t take any chances. You should have an attorney by your side every step of the way.
I Don’t Want This to Drag Out
It’s understandable to want a quick resolution. Many cases are settled without a hearing, especially in the workers’ comp area of practice. To maximize your settlement, you will want a professional handling your negotiations.
I Was Hurt on a Third Party’s Jobsite
The third party may have an obligation to you in addition to and on top of what your employer’s insurance may cover. It is once again important to involve an attorney quickly to assess liability before time limits on filing come into play.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
Oregon law requires contingency for workers’ compensation cases. You won’t owe an attorney fee unless you receive benefits.
Workers’ comp is one of the most complicated fields of law, due to its subjectivity in the medical community and varying state laws. Oregon can be especially complicated. Don’t make it more complicated by going it alone. Let us fight for you.
