Do I Need an Attorney?
Many times workers don’t really need an attorney. This is particularly true when
their claim is accepted and all is proceeding smoothly. It may also be true if their claim is
denied, but they already know that their doctors believe that their condition is due to non-work causes.
But, if a worker’s injury results in prolonged time off work, permanent loss of function is anticipated, or they are not receiving
benefits as expected, it may be very important to have an attorney work with them in regard to their claim.
If their claim is denied they absolutely need an attorney if they wish to pursue the claim. The insurance companies are required by law to have attorneys represent them in any litigation, and a
worker is at a tremendous disadvantage if he/she does not also have an attorney.
Even on accepted claims where there are no obvious concerns, a worker may want to consult with an attorney so that he feels he has
someone on his side who can give him answers. In such situations it may be difficult to find
an attorney to work with him. This is because there are very limited ways in which an attorney
can be paid for his time. Frequently, workers’ compensation attorneys spend many, many hours
and accrue costs, but receive no compensation.
We suggest anyone who has an injury which
takes them off work or requires surgery, or has a denied claim, should consult with an attorney. The worker and the attorney can then decide whether an attorney/client relationship should be
formed.
You may not need or
have an attorney, but you still may need assistance. You may contact the following State agencies
which have been designed to assist you with questions and/or problems regarding your workers’ compensation
claim:
Workers’ Compensation Ombudsman
2601 25th Street SE, Ste.
150
Salem, OR 97302
Phone: (503) 378-3351
or (503) 947-7189 (V/TTY)
Toll Free: 1-800-927-1271
Other numbers which may be helpful:
Workers’ Compensation
Division,
Benefits Information:
(503) 947-7585
Injured Workers
Hotline:
1-800-452-0288
Medical fee, medical
treatment,
curative care, and palliative
care
disputes:
(503) 947-7816
Re-employment
assistance:
(503) 947-7588
Toll Free:
1-800-445-3948
DISCLAIMER
THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY.
IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL INFORMATION REGARDING RULES AND REGULATIONS ON WORKERS’
COMPENSATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION DIVISION, OR A
QUALIFIED ATTORNEY WHO SPECIALIZES IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION.
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