Oregon Worker's Compensation Benefits
By Aaron Larson
Law Offices of Aaron Larson
July, 2003
Important Notice: The following overview of Oregon's worker's compensation (workmans comp) benefits is presented on an as-is basis. This information is believed accurate as of the date of authorship, but is not intended to provide a complete analysis of available benefits and may not reflect subsequent changes in the law. For a full review of Oregon's worker's compensation law, or for a determination of how the law applies to a specific worker, please consult a worker's compensation attorney licensed to practice in the state of Oregon.
Contents
- Introduction
- Special Employment Situations
- Medical Benefits & Choice of Physician
- Disability Benefits Provided
- Death Benefits Provided
- Limits on Attorney Fees
Introduction
Oregon's system of worker's compensation (workman's comp) is compulsory, meaning that employers are required to provide worker's compensation insurance for their employees. Worker's compensation insurance may be provided through a competitive state fund, a private insurance carrier, or employers may self-insure. Waivers are not permitted.
Special Employment Situations
The Oregon worker's compensation act applies to agricultural workers. Employers may provide voluntary worker's compensation coverage for domestic servants.
Medical Benefits & Choice of Physician
Full medical benefits are provided to employees entitled to worker's compensation benefits, with no time or monetary limits. Initial choice of physician is made by the employee.
Disability Benefits Provided
Payments are made for temporary total disability (TTD) in an amount determined by a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments continue for the duration of the disability.
Payments are made for permanent total disability (PTD) based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments for PTD continue for the duration of the disability. Benefits are subject to Social Security benefit offsets.
Payments for permanent partial disability (PPD) are made based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments for PPD continues in proportion to scheduled injuries.
Scheduled awards are paid in addition to total temporary disability benefits starting upon termination of the termination of the TTD benefits. If TTD was overpaid, scheduled awards may be reduced because of receipt of TTD benefits.
Benefits may be available for disfigurement, if the disfigurement results in certain psychological or adjustment problems.
Physical and vocational rehabilitation benefits are available.
With certain constraints and filing deadlines, occupational hearing losses may be compensable.
Death Benefits Provided
Death benefits are payable to an employee's surviving spouse, or spouse and children, based upon a percentage of the employee's wages, subject to a cap. A minimum benefit is provided regardless of the employee's earnings. A burial allowance is available.
Limits on Attorney Fees
Attorney fees for claimants are set by statute at 25% of increased compensation, not to exceed certain caps. In certain cases, the attorney fee may be added to the award.
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