Workers Compensation in Eugene, OR
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Oregon state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Eugene, Oregon workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Eugene, Oregon?
A Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses states that 58.7% of incidents reported in 2019 resulted in lost days of work. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, Eugene had 181,300 full-time civilian workers as of March 2021. Over 54% of those hard-working people became employed in education, government, and health services. According to injury reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 10 out of every 100 experienced a work-related incident.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Eugene, Oregon?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
The State of Oregon requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage. Sole proprietors, federal employees, and a handful of others have exceptions. Physical injuries, as well as psychological treatment for trauma, can be covered for as long as necessary. Eugene beneficiaries also receive cash benefits based on their salary as reimbursement for lost wages.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Eugene, Oregon are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Eugene, Oregon healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
Both employers and employees in Eugene have a Report of Job Injury or Illness to complete. The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division regulates the program and ensures that all parties follow the law.
Timeline and Other Information
According to the Oregon State Bar, your employer cannot bar you from submitting a claim, and insurers have up to 60 days to approve or deny. If you become approved and your injuries persist, you can receive compensation for the time you spent without benefits. Temporary workers’ compensation can last as long as you’re suffering from a work-related illness or injury. But if doctors say your symptoms will persist, an attorney from Eugene can assist with securing permanent disability.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Eugene, Oregon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Eugene, Oregon, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Eugeneworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Eugene, Oregon
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Eugene, Oregon you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
