Posts tagged with "workers compensation attorney salem Oregon"

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 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.

 

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.

What to Do When You’ve Been Injured at Work

If you’ve been injured at work, it is important you follow these steps to ensure you can build a successful worker compensation case.

Get the Medical Help You Need

If you’ve been injured, the first step you should take is to stay safe. Remove yourself from the hazardous situation, if you are able. You will also want to go to the hospital or doctor straightaway so they can diagnose and heal your injuries. Also, if you get a doctor’s report, this will help your workplace injury case. However, in work accidents, it is important to remember that most companies have a list of pre-approved doctors and physicians. Before they give you any compensation for your injuries, they will want the opinion of one of these doctors. Therefore, if you go to your personal doctor, your company might not honor their diagnosis until you are seen by one of their doctors and they give their opinion.

Report the Injury

It is extremely important that you report your injury to your supervisor. You will want documentation of this report so it should either be in writing or by email. It is important to report your injuries as soon as possible because in some states, there is a filing deadline. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your legal rights to receive workers compensation benefits from your company or employer.

If you’ve been injured at work and you need the help of an experienced workers compensation attorney in Salem, Oregon, trust in Peter O. Hansen.

To schedule a consultation for your case, please call our office at (503) 862-3042.