Oregon Attorney Fees in Certain Workers’ Compensation Matters Increased as of July 1, 2024
In Oregon Workers’ Compensation, attorney fees for representation of a claimant are controlled by statute. Certain attorney fees associated with penalties for unreasonable claim processing and attorney representation in a responsibility denial have statutory caps. Those statutory caps are adjusted each year based on the increase of the state’s average weekly wage in comparison to the prior year. These changes occur every year on July 1.
This year, the state’s average weekly wage increased by 2.749% from the prior year. Therefore, the maximum attorney fee awarded under ORS 656.262(11) is $5,973; the maximum attorney fee awarded under ORS 656.308(2) is $4,308.
Additionally, each year the WCB increases the attorney fee for claimant’s attorney participation in recorded statements pursuant to ORS 656.262(14). Attorneys who participate in recorded statements are now paid $456 per hour.
These changes went into effect on July 1, 2024 and remain in effect until June 30, 2025.
If you have any question about the change to the attorney fees, please do not hesitate to contact me at or 503-595-6107.
Posted by Megan Vaniman.