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Getting Help When Injured on the Job

Sustaining an injury or illness while at work can be a harrowing experience. While you may be entitled to workers’ compensation, an ugly truth of the matter is that a complicated claims process may be blocking you from obtaining it.

A prevailing assumption about filing an injury claim is that worker’s compensation insurers care more about forms than helping people. However, by working with a workplace injury lawyer in Portland, you can file your claim confidently.

One of the most essential things about workers’ compensation is that claims must be filed quickly. In the state of Oregon, employers must submit a Form 801 to their insurer within five days of the injury’s occurrence. As a result, filing a claim can seem like a time-sensitive process – especially if you are in the middle of recovering from an accident or sickness.

If you become injured on the job, then it’s crucial to take action. First, report the injury to your supervisor. Then, seek medical attention. When explaining your situation to both your supervisor and the medical staff, make sure you tell them the same account of events.

A leading cause of claim rejections is inconsistent information. Keep any documentation you get from your employer, medical care provider, and insurer. When it’s time to fill out your Form 801, go over it with a workplace injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you go over the form to make sure it is complete and accurate. They can also guide you through the claims process to make sure it proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Why Workers’ Compensation Claims are Denied

Workers Compensation Attorney in Salem, OregonWorkers’ compensation is supposed to help you return to a sense of normalcy after an injury or accident. An unfortunate fact of the matter is that claims for compensation can be denied. Getting denied can be frustrating and bewildering. While your workers’ compensation attorney in Salem, Oregon, can help you challenge the decision, it is vital that you understand the factors that may have resulted in the situation in the first place.

  • Workers’ compensation is generally furnished through an insurance company, which also processes the claims. A few of the leading reasons why claims are denied is because:
  • The Injury Was Unwitnessed – If the insurer cannot verify that you were injured on the job site, they are already skeptical of the claim. Should you get hurt on the job and no one is around, be sure to report the incident to your coworkers and supervisor as soon as possible.
  • The Injury Was Not a Reported Injury – Insurers do not like cases that go unreported until long after the incident has occurred – even if you waited until the following morning to take action.
  • Initial Medical Records Show Illegal Substances in the Claimant’s System – Having drugs or alcohol in your system at the time of your post-accident medical assessment is a surefire way to get a claim denied. Drugs in the system imply the accident was caused more by individual error than an inherent danger at the worksite. Insurers seldom voluntarily cover these situations.

While getting a denied claim can be devastating, that does not mean you are out of options. By working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, it is possible to steer your case towards the best possible outcome.

Jobs with High-Risk of Injuries Part Three

Workers Comp Attorney Portland OregonMany jobs are strenuous on the human body. Some jobs are riskier than others, so you should always be aware of your surroundings and the task you are working to complete. We thought we would describe three more jobs where people have a higher risk of getting injured.

Industrial Workers- When you are surrounded by heavy machinery, your chances of getting hurt increase. Factory workers have to stay vigilant at all times.

Commercial Fisherman- These brave men and women face many dangers while they are out at sea. You can easily be injured during a storm or when the deck is wet.

Baggage Handlers- Lifting heavy luggage can put a strain on your back, whether you are loading it onto the plane or placing it in someone’s hotel room. This constant lifting can injure people’s backs and legs.

Even if you do not work in one of these careers, we can help you if you have been injured on the job. We believe if you have been hurt while working, you should receive compensation for your pain. When you need a workers comp attorney in Portland, Oregon, you can rely on The Law Offices of Peter O. Hansen. Call our office today at (503) 862-3042 to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

Jobs with High-Risk of Injuries Part Two

Work Injury Lawyer Hillsboro ORIn our previous blog post, we noted some careers that tend to have a higher risk of work injuries. In this blog post, we are going to talk about three more jobs that are a little more common.

Landscapers- In every city or town you visit, there are professional landscapers. These men and women work with a variety of machinery for a living. Accidents can happen while mowing or trimming hedges. It is vital for landscapers to be aware of the task at hand constantly.

Truck Drivers- Almost every road you drive down, you are likely to see a truck driver. From hauling food to electronics, truck drivers deliver a variety of items to its destination across the country. With all this driving, truck drivers have a higher risk of injuries.

Electrical Workers- From electricians to linemen, these professionals deal with different levels of electricity on a daily basis. Whether you are just starting or a seasoned professional, you should always ask if you are unsure about something.

If you or someone you know has suffered a work-related injury, turn to The Law Offices of Peter O. Hansen right away. Let us be your work injury lawyer in Hillsboro, OR. To schedule a consultation, give us a call at (503) 862-3042 today.

Jobs with High-Risk of Injuries Part One

Workers Compensation Attorney Salem OregonA workplace injury can happen at any job, but some people are more likely to be injured because of their job. At The Law Offices of Peter O. Hansen, we want to share three jobs that have a higher risk of injury.

Construction- In the construction industry, there is an exceptionally high risk of injuries because of power tools and heights. Whether you are on a scaffold painting or hanging sheetrock, you should always stay alert to lower your chance of harm.

Farming- From large animals to equipment, there are many things on a farm that could cause injuries. It only takes a moment of not paying attention or looking elsewhere for something to go wrong.

Loggers- From cutting down trees to heavy-duty equipment, loggers can easily be injured while on the job. Often loggers are out of cell range, so if something does happen, they are unable to call for help.

Regardless of the career path you have chosen, we hope you stay vigilant so you can remain safe. If you ever need a workers compensation attorney in Salem, Oregon, you can trust us to put your needs first. Reach out to our firm by calling us at (503) 862-3042 to schedule a personal consultation right now.

 

3 Tips to Help You Avoid a Work Injury

Work Injury Lawyer Hillsboro ORWe understand that you cannot prevent every accident, but our goal is to keep you safe during the workday. By enforcing safety tips, you are reducing the chance of having a workplace accident. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter O. Hansen want to help make the workplace even safer with three helpful tips.

Never Run- You should never run in the workplace, whether it is an office or construction site. In an office, a wet floor sign could easily be missed when someone is rushing to get to their next meeting. On the job site, an employee could trip over some objects if they run. These dangerous combinations do not have favorable outcomes, so it is best to walk even if you are in a hurry.

Complete the Entire Job- Whether it is placing a wet floor sign in a visible spot or not cutting corners to meet a deadline, you should always complete the job you are given.

Stay vigilant- When you are paying attention, you are more likely to catch anything that could pose a danger to yourself or someone else beforehand.

If an accident does happen, you can count on us to be your work injury lawyer in Hillsboro, OR. Reach out to our firm by calling us at (503) 862-3042 to schedule a legal consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys.

Can Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Workers Comp Claim?

Workers Comp Lawyers Portland OregonIf you have a pre-existing condition and it correlates with your work-related injury, the pre-existing condition can have a negative impact on the compensation and medical treatment you receive. However, our attorneys will fight on your behalf for fair reparations. We personalize our services to meet our clients’ needs because we understand the challenges your family has to face in the wake of a work-related injury.

For you to receive the full amount of workers compensation, you must be able to prove that this work injury has worsened or is the result of your current state. A medical professional must agree with this conclusion to move forward with the claim. With help from our attorneys, we can decrease the chance of the insurers from denying your claim. We cannot guarantee an outcome, but our compassionate attorneys will help guide you every step of the way, so you do not have to face this challenge alone.

For experienced workers comp lawyers in Portland, Oregon, you can count on The Law Offices of Peter O. Hansen. When you choose our firm, you will never feel like it’s you against the world because we are in your corner. If you have questions about a pre-existing condition, call our office at (503) 862-3042 right now.

Medical Care for a Work Injury

Whenever there is an accident at work, your supervisor should be notified right away even if no one is seriously hurt. Sometimes it takes a few days for soreness and stiffness to take its toll on your body. You should not have to suffer in pain for an injury that happened while on the job. Workers compensation wWorkers Compensation Attorney Salem Oregonill cover emergency and non-emergency injuries.

Emergency Treatment- If you have suffered broken bones or any other type of injury that needs urgent medical attention, you should seek treatment right away. You do not need to worry because workers compensation will cover expenses to treat your injury.

Non-Emergency Treatment- Were you involved in an accident at work, but felt fine until a few days after the incident? If you start to feel the effects of the accident afterwards, you should let your boss know, so you can fill out the proper paperwork. Workers compensation will pay for the diagnosis and treatment of your injuries.

For a workers compensation attorney in Salem, Oregon, you can turn to The Law Offices of Peter O. Hansen for legal representation. If you have questions regarding your medical treatment for a work injury, you can contact our law office at (503) 862-3042 today.

3 Reasons to Hire a Workplace Injury Lawyer

Workplace Injury Lawyer Portland ORIf you have been injured at your workplace and haven’t received fair compensation, turn to The Law Offices of Peter O. Hansen. Our experienced attorneys are here to fight for you. Below are three reasons you should hire a workplace injury lawyer.

Knowledge- Our attorneys have extensive knowledge about how the workers’ compensation process works from beginning to end. With an in-depth understanding of the law, we are able to guide you through the entire process.

Expedite the Process- An attorney understands the proper channels to go through in order to file a claim. Every claim is different, but depending on your case, having an attorney will help you get a faster result.

Success- By hiring an attorney, your chances of winning immediately increase. Without proper representation, your claim can be denied for something minor that an attorney would not have missed.

When you are searching for the right workplace injury lawyer in Portland, OR, look no further than our firm. Our attorneys are here, so you do not have to go at it alone. Let us fight for you, so you can receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our attorneys by calling us at (503) 862-3042 today.

3 Things Workers’ Compensation Covers

Work Injury Lawyer Hillsboro ORAs a business owner, it is your duty to protect your employees in case an accident happens while they are on the job. We understand you are responsible for a lot of things, but you should always put your employees first. Your workers are dedicated to your business and you should repay them by having a workers compensation plan. Discover three things that this policy can cover below.

  • Medical Treatment- When an employee is injured at work, this policy will pay for their medical treatment. You do not have to worry about covering the costs because this insurance plan is specifically meant to cover treatments for workplace injuries.
  • Missed Wages- While your employee is in the hospital or at home recovering from their injuries, this policy will cover their missed wages. You and your employee do not have to worry about making ends meet.
  • Peace of Mind- Your employees will have peace of mind knowing they will be taken care of if they are injured at work. As the owner, you will have peace of mind because you do not have to worry about paying out of pocket if an accident occurs.

We hope accidents do not happen in the workplace, but if you find yourself looking for a work injury lawyer in Hillsboro, OR, our attorneys are ready to help. Give us a call at (503) 862-3042 to schedule a legal consultation today.