Law Offices of Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C.

As a general rule, it is a good idea to hire a workers’ compensation attorney to represent you any time you've been seriously injured in a workplace accident. Please contact The Law Offices of Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C. today for a free consultation or continue reading here: https://phillipspolich.com/blog/when-to-hire-a-workers-comp-lawyer-in-oregon/

At The Law Office of Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., we understand the serious impacts fall-related injuries can have on every area of your life and how often these workplace accidents occur. We can help protect your rights in these types of cases, so you can seek the benefits you need to recover. Learn more here: https://phillipspolich.com/workers-compensation-attorney/types-workplace-accidents/falls/ and please call us today for a free consultation about your slip and fall accident.

We break down the workers' compensation claim process step-by-step here: https://phillipspolich.com/workers-compensation-attorney/how-to-file-workers-comp/ . You can also call our firm today to get started with a free consultation about your case! We are happy to walk you through the entire process.

People are sometimes reluctant to hire or even speak with a lawyer because they are afraid of the potential costs involved with pursuing legal action. Let us put those financial fears to rest. Learn more about the cost of a Portland workers' compensation attorney here: https://phillipspolich.com/workers-compensation-attorney/how-much-cost-to-hire-workers-comp-lawyer/ or call The Law Offices of Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C. to get started on your case with a free consultation

Dangerous jobs for millennials include power line workers, steel workers, and truckers. To learn more about dangerous jobs for millennials and how they are changing the current workforce, view our infographic here: https://phillipspolich.com/workers-compensation-attorney/dangerous-jobs-for-millennials/ .

Yes! Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive motion injury that may occur while working. Injuries caused by repetitive motions at work can be debilitating for workers in any industry. Employees may find themselves unable to perform their work duties and may experience a dramatic drop in their quality of life. Many workers are unaware that they qualify for workers’ compensation benefits due to a repetitive motion injury. These employer-provided benefits give injured employees the means to seek treatment and support themselves as they recover.

Not necessarily. It is common practice in Oregon for a workers’ compensation insurer to pay “interim medical benefits” while it reviews your claim. This enables you to seek immediate medical attention for your injury. But the insurer still has 14 days under the law to deny your claim and revoke any interim medical benefits. If that happens, you (or your private health insurance company) may be held responsible for any medical costs already incurred.

If your workers’ compensation claim is ultimately accepted, the insurer will reimburse you for certain out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with your medical treatment. Common expenses include prescription drugs, as well as transportation, lodging, and meals related to medical appointments. You are responsible for keeping receipts of all out-of-pocket costs and filing a written request for reimbursement within two years.

First, you need to check with the insurer as to the status of your claim. If your claim has been denied, your doctor is required to bill your private health insurer first before billing you directly. While you may ultimately be liable for those bills, your doctor is not allowed to take any collection action until you have either settled your workers’ compensation claim or exhausted all of your appeals against the denial of your claim.

For the many Oregon workers’ compensation claims a lawyer is unnecessary. The insurer will simply accept your claim without complaint. But if you do run into any resistance, an attorney is necessary to guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf. At a minimum an attorney can explain your rights and answer any questions or concerns you may have. And if the insurer does deny your claim, an attorney can help negotiate a settlement or, if necessary, handle an appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Board.

The answer to this is generally “no.” Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so it does not matter whose negligence caused the accident. The employer accepts responsibility for covering all work-related injuries. Of course, if your employer denies your workers’ compensation claim, you have the right to pursue an administrative appeal of that decision to the Workers’ Compensation Division. It is also important to note that workers’ compensation shields only the employer from civil liability. If a third party’s negligence caused your accident or injury, you are still free to sue them. For example, if you are in a car accident while driving a company-owned car to meet with a client, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.

Even if you are temporarily unable to return to work while on workers’ compensation, you are still considered an employee and a member of the active workforce. But if you quit your job – or are terminated – for reasons unrelated to your injury or disability, then your now-former employer may no longer be responsible for paying temporary disability benefits.

There may come a point where you are “medically stationary” but not necessarily better. Once you are deemed stationary, your employer’s insurance company will still move to close your workers’ compensation claim. Note this does not necessarily mean you will stop receiving all workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on your medical condition, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits as part of the closing process. It is also possible that your claim is being closed and you are being denied medical treatment because the insurer has not accepted all of the medical conditions diagnosed by your attending physician as a result of your injury.

There are many cases where your doctors are only able to stabilize your medical condition following a workplace accident. But they cannot fully cure your ailment or restore you to your pre-accident level of health. When this happens your healthcare provider will find you are “medically stationary.” You can continue to receive medical benefits under workers’ compensation after you are declared medically stationary. Such benefits may include diagnostic care, prosthetic devices, and prescription drugs necessary to maintain your condition.

Assuming your doctor or health care provider finds you are medically unable to return to work right away, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for lost wages. Normally you will receive your first weekly benefit check within 14 days after your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer receives authorization from your doctor. Note that these benefits will not replace 100 percent of your pre-accident wages. Rather, you are entitled to receive up to two-thirds of your prior average weekly wage. If your work-related injury is more serious and you are never able to return to your prior job, you may apply for vocational assistance benefits, which can help you find new work. You may also apply for permanent disability benefits.