Read About Injury and Disability News in Washington and Oregon

We are always watching for recent news items affecting Oregon and Washington injury or disability issues. Whether it's a new decision from the Oregon or Washington Courts, or the Workers' Compensation Board, we keep you updated with stories that can help you understand the process.

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Oregon Supreme Court Finds Diagnostic Testing Compensable for Non-Accepted Conditions
Oregon Workers' Compensation covers medical services for accepted conditions, but the Court found diagnostic tests for other conditions may also be covered.
Game Changer: Oregon Supreme Court and Workers' Comp. Disability
For years, Oregon Workers' Comp. carriers took steep discounts on permanent disability payments by ignoring the law. We took two cases to the Court, and won.
Oregon Supreme Court: Taxicab Drivers Not Independent Contractors
Whether someone is working as an independent contractor or an employee has significant ramifications. A recent Oregon Supreme Court case found for taxi drivers.
Board Sorts Out Treatment From Actual Medical Opinion
Oregon Workers' Compensation allows benefits for a medical condition that requires treatment. Sometimes, whether something is an actual "condition" is not clear.
Board Finds The Prior Shoulder Injury Not Part of New Claim
"Pre-existing conditions" are a huge part of the Oregon Workers' Compensation system. However, the pre-existing condition must combine with the injury event.
Workers' Comp Board Rules on Consequential Injury Claim
In Oregon Workers' Compensation claims, an injured worker can file a claim for a "consequential condition" when an on-the-job injury causes another problem.
Oregon Workers Comp. Board Rules Against Traveling Employee
Oregon Workers' Compensation benefits apply to injuries in the course and scope of employment, Special rules are used in the case of "traveling employees."
Workers' Compensation Board Slashes Injured Workers' Benefits
Whether an Oregon Workers' Compensation permanent partial disability award can be discounted is unclear. The Court of Appeals will likely decide this issue.
Physician Assistant Only Can Authorize Limited Time loss Benefits
Oregon Workers' Compensation statutes and rules limit which kinds of health care providers can authorize temporary disability benefits.
Court Appeals: Workers' Comp. May Cover Coffee Break Injury
Whether an Oregon on-the-job injury occurs in the course and scope of employment is often complex. The Court of Appeals found a coffee break injury compensable.
Injury During Day Off is Covered Under Oregon Workers' Comp.
Whether an injury occurs in the course and scope of employment depends on many factors. In this case, an injury that occurred on the worker's day off was covered.
Oregon Workers' Board Finds Fall At Work Not Covered
Oregon Workers' Compensation does not cover all injuries that occur at work. There must be some connection between the work activity and the resulting injury.
Pre- Closure Behavior Penalized By Workers' Comp Board
Insurance companies can be held accountable for failing to take action even before an Oregon Workers' Compensation claim is closed.