Author: Stephen Verotsky

November 6, 2023
by Stephen Verotsky

Can a denial in Oregon based on an independent record review trigger entitlement to WRME?

Recently, the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board confirmed that entitlement to a worker requested medical examination (WRME) is only triggered when the employer’s denial is based…

May 26, 2023
by Stephen Verotsky

Oregon OSHA – Senate Bill 592A Significantly Expands Oregon OSHA Investigation Authority and Substantially Increases Civil Penalties.

Oregon lawmakers have approved a bill that expands OSHA investigation authority and increase the penalties businesses face when they violate workplace safety rules. Governor Tina…

May 11, 2023
by Stephen Verotsky

Compensability of Medical Treatment in Oregon – Standard: Related in Material part to “Work Injury” or Directed to Accepted Conditions

In 2019 the Oregon Supreme Court determined that medical services under ORS 656.245 for an unclaimed, unaccepted condition can be the responsibility of a carrier…

November 16, 2022
by Stephen Verotsky

New Assessed Attorney Fee Rules For Reconsideration Proceedings in Oregon

In September 2021 the Oregon Court of Appeals issued its decision in Dancingbear v. SAIF and determined a worker’s attorney can be awarded an assessed…

July 27, 2022
by Stephen Verotsky

Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board Signals That Providing Duplicative Discovery May Result in Penalties/Attorney Fees

In Serge Alexandre, 74 Van Natta 410 (June 1, 2022), SAIF requested review of an order that awarded a penalty and penalty-related attorney fee for…

November 10, 2021
by Stephen Verotsky

OSHA Reveals Standard to Implement Vaccine Mandate

On November 4, 2021, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) which implements President Biden’s vaccine-or-test…

July 7, 2021
by Stephen Verotsky

Effective July 1, 2021 – Oregon Annual Adjustment to Maximum Attorney Fee and Hourly Rate for Statement Fee

The maximum attorney fees awarded under ORS 656.262(11)(a), ORS 656.262(14)(a), and ORS 656.382(2)(d), are tied to the increase in the state’s average weekly wage (SAWW)…

March 3, 2021
by Stephen Verotsky

Oregon OSHA Proposes “Permanent” COVID-19 Rules

Recently, Oregon OSHA formally proposed a “permanent” COVID-19 rule to replace the temporary rule, which is set to expire May 4, 2021. Oregon OSHA’s rule…

November 4, 2020
by Stephen Verotsky

OR OSHA still has not passed final rules relating to COVID-19

In June 2020 Oregon OSHA announced it would implement temporary workplace rules to address the COVID-19 hazard.  Oregon OSHA expected it would have the final…

July 15, 2020
by Stephen Verotsky

Oregon OSHA will Adopt Rules Addressing the COVID-19 Emergency

Recently, Oregon OSHA announced it has begun work on temporary rules addressing the COVID-19 emergency. The target date for the rules is September 1st and…

August 18, 2017
by Stephen Verotsky

Join SBH at the 2017 Oregon PRIMA Annual Conference

Join SBH attorneys Steve Verotsky and Krishna Balasubramani at the 2017 annual Oregon PRIMA Conference. The conference will be held at Salishan Lodge in Gleneden…

July 7, 2016
by Stephen Verotsky

New OSHA Rules Address Post-Accident Drug Testing, Retaliation Claims, and Electronic Injury/Illness Reporting

Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized new rules regarding recordkeeping/reporting and discrimination as it relates to drug testing employees following an injury. …

October 15, 2015
by Stephen Verotsky

Join SBH Attorneys at the first PWC Lunch of the Season

Join SBH Attorneys Lauren Oda and Steve Verotsky at the first PWC lunch of the season on October 20, 2015. The Lunch is held at…

May 8, 2015
by Stephen Verotsky

Supreme Court allows personal estate to pursue Workers’ Compensation Claims

By: Steve Verotsky Recently, the Oregon Supreme Court reversed the Workers’ Compensation Board and Court of Appeals and determined that a worker’s estate is authorized…

September 6, 2013
by Stephen Verotsky

Oregon OSHA Backtracks on Confined Space Rule

In September 2012 the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) adopted a new confined space rule.  Confined spaces, such as tanks, wells, or…

May 3, 2013
by Stephen Verotsky

Wednesday May 8, 2012 WCCA Luncheon – Work Disability: Strategies for Securing a Release or Return to Regular Work

Injured workers have become more aggressive and creative in their pursuit of work disability awards because there is a lot of money at stake.   If…

November 7, 2012
by Stephen Verotsky

OSHA – Potential Employer Knowledge Rule – A Solution in Search of Problem.

This morning, Michael Wood, the Administrator of Oregon OSHA, convened an “informal gathering” of employers and other stake holders to discuss whether a rule is…

October 31, 2012
by Stephen Verotsky

OR-OSHA ALERT

Oregon OSHA is developing an administrative rule which has the potential to significantly change what it must prove to establish a violation of a safety…