Oregon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Industrial injury Attorney Serving Portland and Surrounding Areas
Workers’ compensation under Oregon law is an insurance program for compensating employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Employees injured on the job or harmed by occupational diseases are entitled to benefits no matter who was at fault, but these benefits generally come at the cost of the right to sue the employer for negligence or wrongful conduct.
Because employees lack the right to sue employers for work injuries, one would expect employers to pay benefits whenever workers are hurt while performing their duties. Unfortunately, however, employers and their insurers may place significant legal obstacles between injured workers and compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent impairment.
As an injured worker, you can help protect yourself by reporting all work accidents to your employer immediately, no matter how small the injury may appear. Symptoms may not be apparent on the day of injury, but waiting too long to report an injury may make it more difficult to fight against the denial of your claim. If you see your doctor for medical treatment first, explain that you were injured on the job. You have the right to choose your health care provider and the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Employers may pressure you to shake it off or tough it out. Report it instead, and contact an Oregon workers’ compensation attorney for help in getting the benefits that you have earned.