By Amy C. Osenar, Attorney at Law
I was pleased to recently serve, alongside other industry representatives, on a WCB advisory committee tasked with ensuring denial appeal language is clear and easy to understand. The goal was to allow easier access to justice and the committee worked together to address concerns from the perspectives of
Latest from Workers' Compensation Defense Blog
Worker Requested Medical Examination
By Kolbi Trebbien, Attorney at Law
ORS 656.325(1)(e) and OAR 436-060-0147(1) provide a way for an injured worker to request a medical examination with a physician selected by the Director, provided they meet the following requirements:
- The worker has made a timely request for a hearing on a denial of compensability;
- The denial is based
CHANGES TO DISBURSEMENT OF SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS IN OREGON
Author: Brian Solodky, Attorney at Law
The Oregon Worker’s Compensation Board recently authorized attorneys for injured workers to accept up to 25% of the total settlement amount without limitations. Prior rules capped the 25% attorney fee recovery up to $50,000.00 per Disputed Claim Settlement or Claim Disposition Agreement and 10% beyond this sum. The anticipated
Authorization to Work in the U.S. No Longer an Eligibility Requirement for Vocational Assistance
Author: Lorrie H. Spencer, Attorney at Law
Effective July 1, 2024, workers who are unauthorized to work in the United States are no longer automatically ineligible for vocational training assistance. Click here for the Industry Notice from the Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD). A list of the changes and the revised Division 120 Rules are available
Rule Change for Subsequent Temporary Disability Payment Schedule
Author: Lorrie H. Spencer, Attorney at Law
Effective July 1, 2024, Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 436-060-0150(4)(b), regarding the schedule for subsequent payments of temporary disability benefits issued after the first payment of temporary disability, has changed. Click here for the industry notice on this Rule change. Click here for the full revised Rule text.
Managing Partner becomes Legal Representative for Board of Directors at WSIA
Reinisch Wilson PC is pleased to announce that our managing partner, Shawna Fruin, has been invited to serve as the legal representative on WSIA’s Board of Directors effective July 1, 2024.
Shawna has been honored to present at multiple prior WSIA conferences, including on hot topics such as the current legislative changes related to Good
Annual Adjustments to Benefits Effective July 1, 2024
Author: Sarah M. Busch-Weiss, Attorney at Law
Every year, the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division revises Bulletin No. 111 regarding the computation of temporary disability, permanent disability, and death benefits based on the state’s average weekly wage (SAWW). This update replaces the prior Bulletin No. 111 and is directed to workers’ compensation insurers and self-insured employers.
Giving Back: Our Administrative Team’s Afternoon at the Oregon Food Bank
Last week, our administrative team took a break from their usual tasks to give back to the community in a meaningful way. We swapped our desks and computers for aprons and gloves as we volunteered at the Oregon Food Bank. It was an afternoon filled with camaraderie, fun, and a profound sense of fulfillment.
Managing Partner Announcement
The Firm is pleased to announce that Shawna Fruin has taken over as Managing Partner effective January 1, 2023. Shawna maintains a practice focused on Washington workers’ compensation defense. Shawna is honored and grateful to the firm and the workers’ compensation community, and is excited to lead the firm and build upon its prior success.
Guest Blog: Variations in symptom intensity, duration and functional incapability after injury
Guest Blogger: Dr. Michael B. Vessely
Injuries have predictable recovery trajectories. Sprains, strains and most fractures heal within consistent timeframes.
However, there are individuals with these types of injuries who continue to have more than minor symptoms without objective findings, long after their injury has healed. Some have greater symptom intensity or functional incapability