Author: Evan Novotny

December 8, 2023
by Evan Novotny

Oregon Administrative Claim Closure Requires Strict Compliance with the Rule

Administrative closure can be a useful tool for processing an Oregon Workers’ Compensation claim to closure where a worker is inconsistent or non-compliant with treatment…

June 13, 2023
by Evan Novotny

Oregon Court of Appeals Rejects Claimant Argument to Expand Meaning of “Compensable Injury” for Purposes of Assigning Permanent Impairment

On June 7, 2023, the Oregon Court of Appeals issued its Opinion on Gramada v. SAIF, refusing to expand the meaning of the term “compensable…

December 22, 2022
by Evan Novotny

Permanent Rule Changes Coming to Oregon Workers’ Compensation!

There are new and significant rule changes to Oregon Workers Compensation. These will affect the way workers’ compensation benefits are paid and calculated.  Additionally, notable…

May 11, 2022
by Evan Novotny

Increased WRMEs in Oregon?

A worker requested medical exam (WRME) is the equivalent of an insurer arranged independent medical exam–but as the title implies, requested specifically by the worker….

January 12, 2022
by Evan Novotny

Oregon Court of Appeals issues another decision scrutinizing combined condition defenses

We often discuss combined condition acceptances and denials as useful claim processing tools, particularly in closing a claim which may otherwise be difficult to close,…

February 10, 2021
by Evan Novotny

Combined Conditions in Oregon Workers’ Compensation: Not always a Simple Open and Shut Case

Combined condition acceptances and denials can be a useful claim processing tool in Oregon for several reasons. They can be used as a defense against…

October 14, 2020
by Evan Novotny

Oregon WCD Issues Revised Temporary Rule on Claims for COVID-19 or Exposure to COVID-19

The Workers’ Compensation Division has issued OAR 436-060-0141,  a temporary rule addressing claims for COVID-19 and claims for exposure to COVID-19. The rule will remain…

June 17, 2020
by Evan Novotny

Claims Examiner Certification Renewal in Oregon and COVID-19

Three months into the pandemic, we have all seen changes in both our daily lives and in our professional lives. One of these changes has…

September 26, 2017
by Evan Novotny

Oregon’s Distracted Driving Law Goes into Effect October 1

As of October 1, 2017 any use of mobile devices will be prohibited while driving in Oregon. Like the law in Washington, which went into…