Author: Lauren Oda
Annual Adjustment of Attorney Fees in Workers’ Compensation Claims in Oregon
The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board recently issued a revised Bulletin No. 1 addressing the maximum attorney fee under several statutes. The attorney fees affected by the revised bulletin are provided in ORS 656.262(11)(a) (unreasonable delay or refusal to pay compensation or accept or deny), ORS 656.262(14)(a) (claimant attorney participation in…
Worker’s Compensation Division Addresses House Bill 2338 Regarding Benefits to Surviving Children
The Workers’ Compensation Division issued an Addendum to Bulletin No. 377 on December 8, 2017. The Division issued the addendum to address House Bill 2338, which changed the computation of fatal benefits to children of deceased workers or “surviving children.” The addendum does not change the monthly benefit amounts for:…
Join SBH Attorney Lauren Oda at WSIA Region Meetings
Lauren Oda will be presenting with orthopaedic surgeon Scott Kitchel, M.D. at four WSIA Region Meetings in April. Lauren and Dr. Kitchel will discuss common orthopaedic injuries of the spine and various mechanisms of injuries. The presentation will also discuss strategies for writing clear and concise IME cover letters to…
Court of Appeals issues decision on U.S. Bank v. Diane Pohrman
The Oregon Court of Appeals issued a decision yesterday addressing the “social or recreational activity” exclusion in ORS 656.005(7)(b)(B). In U.S. Bank v. Diane Pohrman, the worker was on a paid break when she slipped and fell in the lobby of a building where her employer leased space on the…
Large Increase in Oregon Average Weekly Wage
By: Lauren Oda The Workers’ Compensation Division issued the revised Bulletin 111 May 18, 2015. According to the Bulletin, Oregon’s State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) increased 3.8% in the last year from $888.38 to $922.39. The increased Average Weekly Wage is effective July 1, 2015. The TTD rate on open…
Learn What MLAC Can Do For You
Employers, HR Managers, and claims examiners – the Professionals in Workers’ Compensation organization is hosting their final educational breakfast event of the 2012-2013 season. Please join us for a great breakfast May 16, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel near Lloyd Center to learn about the importance of MLAC. What…
Board’s Interpretation of a Medical Opinion Must Be Reasonable
In a recent decision, Armenta v. PCC Structural, Inc. (A141790), the Oregon Court of Appeals issued an unfavorable opinion regarding the Board’s ability to disregard an expert’s medical opinion when it does not address the subject in dispute. Claimant sought review of the Board’s Order upholding the employer’s denial of…
