Author: Stephen Verotsky
In Oregon, Delay In Seeking Clarification From Attending Physician Regarding an IME, PCE, and Regular Work Release Can Result in Unreasonable Refusal to Close.
The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board is holding carriers to a high standard when it comes to securing the evidence needed to rate impairment and work…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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. …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
