Qualifying Work Injuries in Oregon
The law is fairly clear about when employers are obligated to cover an on-the-job injury. But that doesn't mean your employer and their workers' compensation insurance carrier won't fight the claim.
The Law Offices of Peter Hansen in Portland, Oregon, offers experienced representation in workers' compensation claims. We can determine whether you are entitled to benefits, and we will take on a system stacked against you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Qualifies as a Workers' Compensation Claim?
There are two categories of claims that qualify for workers' comp coverage:
(1) An accident or injury suffered in the normal course and scope of your employment. This includes actions of co-workers or even your own actions (such as dropping a heavy box on your foot).
(2) Occupational disease such as hearing loss, lung ailments or repetitive stress injury that develops gradually over time from workplace exposures or simply performing your job.
If you are employed as a dock worker, in the shipyard or aboard a ship, or fishing vessel your claim is not governed by Oregon workers' compensation. But we have experience in maritime law, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA), the Jones Act and other specific legal remedies for seamen and shore workers.
Course and Scope of Employment
Any job-related event is covered as a workers' compensation claim, even if you were not officially "clocked in" for work or even if you were not at your workplace. This includes injuries:
- In the company parking lot
- In the building or on the grounds
- At a construction job site
- While driving a company vehicle
- At a company picnic or other sanctioned event
- While running job-related errands before, during or after work
What If I Didn't Miss Work?
Your employer must pay for all medical treatment, whether or not you lost time from work. The employer must also accommodate any doctor's restrictions, such as light duty, while you heal.
What About Pre-Existing Conditions?
You are entitled to coverage if your job duties aggravated a previous injury or existing health condition. But you will almost certainly need legal representation to prove your new injury was primarily work-related.
Attorney Peter O. Hansen has represented injured workers in west Oregon for 30 years. He will explain your rights, explain your entitled benefits and aggressively pursue your workers' compensation claim.
Call us at 503-821-7934 (Portland area) or 866-661-8679 (toll free) for a free consultation. Mr. Hansen can meet clients at our Gresham or Tillamook offices, or he can come to you if your injuries prevent travel.
