Accepting an early settlement is very tempting, particularly when those bills are piling up, but insurers offer these settlements to cap what they pay. If you agree, you can’t go back for more money. At Shlesinger & deVilleneuve in Salem, we provide a no-cost analysis of your settlement proposal and help you establish the proper value of your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and future effects on your life.

Not always. The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court between the claimant and the responsible party. However, if an insurance company is not willing to behave reasonably, our skilled trial lawyers are also prepared to try your case on the courthouse steps. Our clients have seen great success, both in the courtroom and outside.

If you are not awarded the claim, you can appeal for your claim to be heard by Oregon’s Workers’ Compensation Board. The most typical grounds for denial are that you applied too late, failed to provide the necessary doctor’s documentation, or were not found to have been injured on the job. Our lawyers in Salem can file your appeal, obtain supporting medical records, and represent you at hearings to help with your fight for benefits.

No. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against an employee for filing a legitimate workers’ compensation claim under Oregon law. If you believe you’ve been demoted, terminated, or otherwise mistreated due to a work injury report, please get in touch with our office today. At Shlesinger & deVilleneuve, we understand the seriousness of retaliation and will fight to ensure that your rights under Oregon employment laws are upheld.

Good medical records are key — detailed doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, and statements about how your condition limits your ability to work. Our lawyers in Salem for SSDI work closely with our clients and their doctors to present strong medical evidence of disability that helps secure approval.

Yes, as long as your earnings don’t exceed the Social Security “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) limit. Working or earning too much can result in the loss of your benefits. We can explain those income thresholds to clients in Salem and walk them through safe work trial programs so they don’t jeopardize crucial benefits.