No Annual Increase in Maximum Attorney Fees for July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013
Every July 1 the attorney fees awarded under ORS 656.262(11)(a) and ORS 656.308(2)(d) are adjusted by the same percentage increase as the average weekly wage. However, effective July 1, 2012, the average weekly wage will decrease 0.15% from last year, making the average weekly wage $841.26 for July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. The Workers’ Compensation Board determined, since there was no increase in the average weekly wage for the coming year, there will be no adjustment of the maximum attorney fees awarded under ORS 656.262(11)(a) and ORS 656.308(2)(d) for the coming year. The fees amounts will remain the same. Therefore, for July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 attorney fees awarded under ORS 656.262(11)(a) may not exceed $3,157.09 and attorney fees awarded under ORS 656.308(2)(d) cannot exceed $2,630.91, in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. This will apply to orders issued July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.
