Uncategorized

When PTSD is Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Oregon

PTSD occurrence is higher in some occupations than in others, although it can happen on almost any job site. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and hospital workers often face situations that are especially traumatic or stressful. These individuals are particularly susceptible to developing symptoms of PTSD.

Some workers’ compensation benefits in Oregon will cover the effects of PTSD depending on the circumstances. To be considered for coverage, a worker must be evaluated and diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Workers’ compensation may cover PTSD as a purely mental injury, such as witnessing a shocking workplace event or a physical injury at work that results in PTSD.

Symptoms of Workplace PTSD

Flashbacks
Anxiety
Depression
Anger & Irritability
Easily Startled or Jumpy
Emotional Detachment
Violent or Self-Destructive Behavior
Memory or Concentration Problems
Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
Nightmares

What May Be Covered

Worker’s compensation benefits vary according to the individual circumstances, but most often, they include:

Cost of treatment covering mental health therapy and medications

Temporary disability benefits covering time off work from to process and recover from the event

Permanent disability benefits covering an individual who cannot return to work due to the severity of the traumatic event

It is essential to speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer if you believe PTSD affects your ability to do your job effectively.

What to Expect at a Workers’ Compensation Hearing

For many people, the most intimidating part of filing a worker’s comp claim is the hearing. It’s a crucial time that can have major impacts on your future – which is why being prepared is essential. Step one is finding a worker’s compensation attorney you in Oregon you can trust. After that, though, it’s worth getting a general idea of what to expect from your day in court. Here are a few things to consider:

The Worker – Depending on your situation and your attorney’s strategy, you may need to testify during your hearing. This is your big moment, and there are two keys to success. First, present a clear and rehearsed telling of your experience. Second, communicate the impact of the injury and the difference it’s made in your life.

The Evidence – Your worker’s compensation attorney has the job of gathering and presenting compelling evidence in support of your claim. This could be verification of your injuries, the accuracy of your testimony, or other relevant details that could impact the court’s decision.

The Resolution – After the presentations and examinations, the court will issue an opinion and order to resolve the claim. If you get the compensation you need, great! If not, that isn’t the end. Your attorney may be able to help you file an appeal.

Was Your Workers’ Comp Claim Denied? This Might Be Why.

Worker’s comp exists to protect everyday employees. No matter the work you do or the situation behind your injury, you should feel confident getting the money you need to recover well. Unfortunately, not every claim is easy to navigate. If you’re struggling with worker’s compensation in Portland, OR, take a look at these that might impact your claim:

Employment Issues – One of the most common reasons for denials is a failure to prove that a particular injury happened while “at work.” What qualifies for your case might be different depending on your field and how you generally spend your time on the clock. For many claimants, however, the real struggle is documenting the time and place of the injury so that it’s possible to present evidence during the hearing. Be sure to gather any documentation that shows you were working at the time of your injury.

Disqualifying Conduct – Some factors about the claimant can lead to a denial. Working while impaired, failing to seek medical treatment, or seeking the wrong type of treatment can all leave you with less recourse. Fortunately, a skilled lawyer can often contest accusations of misconduct.

Technical Problems – Paperwork can be confusing, and it’s all too easy to let a form or formality get in the way of your worker’s compensation claim. Make sure you work with a trusted professional who knows the ins and outs of the system.

Vocational Rehab Vs. Physical Therapy – What’s the Difference?

When you’re recovering from an injury, your doctor may recommend physical therapy as a way to rehabilitate your body. Physical therapy can include specific exercises to target affected muscles, massages, and other medical treatments. Of course, individuals who have suffered a disability that has diminished their capacity to work will need more than just physical therapy. That’s where vocational rehabilitation comes in.

Mark Thesing Inc. is available to discuss vocational rehabilitation in Oregon with injured clients. If your injury has left you unable to perform the job you once did, this option may be available to you. Vocational rehab is a workers’ compensation benefit. It covers your tuition and time lost while you train for a new role that you are still able to perform.

Injured individuals who have chosen a lump sum settlement will not be eligible for vocational rehabilitation. If your claim has been denied, you don’t know the right option for you, or you need assistance filing your claim, you need to speak to a workers’ comp attorney right away. Your attorney will guide you through the process to help you receive the fair compensation that you deserve.

What to Do If a Work Injury Leaves You Permanently Disabled

If you have suffered permanent disability in Oregon due to a work-related injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To apply for these benefits, you’ll first need to reach the point of “maximal medical improvement,” or MMI, which is when your doctor determines that continued therapy will not further restore your abilities. After this, your doctor will evaluate your injury and assign you a disability rating.

Your disability rating will be used to determine your eligibility for benefits. These benefits are difficult to calculate and come in several levels. If you have sustained a catastrophic injury, you may be given a whole permanent impairment rating. Lower injury ratings may entitle you to permanent total disability benefits or permanent partial disability benefits.

Permanent disabilities are classified as either scheduled or unscheduled. Scheduled disabilities have clear benefit guidelines and payouts. Unscheduled disabilities are more difficult to define and tend to be calculated on a case-by-case basis.

Experienced a permanent disability is a stressful and emotional time. If you have been denied workers’ comp benefits, or you require assistance filing your claim, Mark Thesing Inc. is here for you. Our law firm proudly represents injured individuals who are seeking the compensation they deserve.

What Happens to Your Worker’s Compensation if You Lose Your Job?

Many injured workers on workers’ compensation do not plan for getting fired or laid off from their jobs. An employer may have fired them in retaliation for seeking workers’ compensation benefits (which is against the law), or they may have been fired for reasons unrelated to their workers’ compensation claim. Layoffs are often due to unforeseen economic downturns or budget cuts.

People in this situation may be concerned about the future of their workers’ compensation benefits and should seek advice from a workers’ compensation attorney in Oregon.

A workers’ compensation attorney would advise that typically if someone was already receiving benefits when they were fired or laid off, they should continue to receive them if they were injured while working and approved for benefits while still in the job. However, if the person was fired for cause, such as a disciplinary issue, he or she may lose the benefits. A person may also lose benefits if their doctor determined they were fully recovered before being fired. This is because, even if the person was not fired, the benefits would likely have stopped anyway.

A workers’ compensation attorney would also confirm that even if a layoff coincides with the employer going out of business or filing for bankruptcy, this event should not affect someone’s benefits, as they are paid by the former employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. That said, if the insurance company begins having financial troubles, it is possible a person may stop receiving benefits as a result.

How to Prevent Ergonomic Workplace Injuries

Most occupations require workers to perform repetitive tasks. Whether it’s typing on a keyboard or operating large machinery, many jobs can be physically limiting. Repeating your actions or holding yourself in a particular position for hours at a time has been known to take a toll on physical health. These types of work-related injuries in Oregon are more common than most people think.

What Ergonomics Are

Adjusting the work environment and conditions to reduce the physical stress and strain on an employee is considered applying ergonomics. Typically, jobs requiring individuals to remain in static positions or using repeated motions have the greatest risk factor for ergonomic work-related injuries. Assessing the environment and adjusting workspaces can often make a significant difference to the employee’s everyday experience.

Changing the Way We Work

Most companies today provide an ergonomic assessment for their employees. From something as simple as an anti-fatigue mat to changing a desk’s configuration, ergonomics can increase worker morale and preclude worker’s compensation claims and absences.

If you feel you’re working in an environment that could benefit from an ergonomic assessment, talk to your employer. Chances are they’d prefer to provide an accommodating solution than risk downtime and reduced productivity due to work-related injuries.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Workers’ Compensation

When you need to file for a workers’ compensation claim, several mistakes can slow the process or even cause the claim to be denied.

Don’t Handle Your Claim Alone

One of your first calls should be to a workers’ compensation attorney in Oregon to assist with your claim. They know the system and can provide guidance and advice to expedite your claim.

Not Keeping Accurate Records

Detailed and accurate records can make or break your case. Be sure to keep track of time missed at work due to the injury in addition to any medical expenses incurred. Your records can help ensure you are paid the correct amount of compensation.

Failing To Record the Injury

Immediately report a work injury to your supervisor and make sure they document it. Failure to do so or a delay in reporting can make it more challenging to get the claim approved.

Not Seeking Treatment

Even if you think the injury will not affect your day-to-day life, obtaining a medical record of the incident is vital. Documenting the history of treatment and expenses also means you have a medical professional’s opinion on your side.

Your workplace injury could not only affect your ability to do your job, but it could also affect your future health. Don’t take chances; talk to a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected as an employee.

What You Should Know About Repetitive Stress Injuries & Workers’ Compensation in Portland, OR

When someone mentions a workplace injury, it’s likely that you picture a gruesome or dramatic injury. While these intense and sudden injuries are certainly a possibility, there’s another type of injury that is easier to forget about it. Take a minute to learn about repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) and how they relate to workers’ compensation in Portland, OR.

The Signs of RSIs

RSIs are a result of the cumulative effects of a repetitive posture or motion required on the job. This includes hunching over a desk, scanning groceries, lifting power equipment, and everything in between. Some common conditions related to repeated stress include carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and rotator cuff syndrome. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, reduced motion, and more.

Who’s At Risk?

There’s no one industry or vertical that’s most at risk for an RSI. If you complete similar tasks every day, you’re potentially at risk. That’s why it’s important to understand your compensation rights.

What Should You Do?

The first step is to pay attention. If you believe an ache or pain is related to something you do at work, be sure to notify your employer right away. Waiting to see if the problem will improve (i.e., “toughing it out”) is never the right option, as it can lead to more serious injuries. Additionally, your claim can be rejected if you wait too long. Because workers’ compensation in Portland, OR, is unique to our state, it’s best to contact a local attorney who can clarify the RSI rules for you and help you submit a successful claim.

Dispelling Common Myths About Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Oregon

If you’re hurt on the job, you deserve to be compensated. However, many employees forego the workers’ compensation process, believing that it will create more trouble than it’s worth. Take a minute to learn about some common preconceived notions that are simply incorrect. Instead, you’ll find the truth about workers’ compensation benefits in Oregon.

The First Myth: It’s Discretionary

Many employee benefits are non-mandatory, including retirement plans, vacation allotments, and tuition reimbursements. But you’ll notice that workers’ compensation isn’t on this list. That’s because it’s not optional. Your employer is required by law to provide these benefits.

The Second Myth: It’s Fault-Based

Some workers believe that they won’t receive any compensation for injuries that they cause themselves. It’s important to remember that this is a myth—even if your injury was due to your own inexperience or inattentiveness. If you receive injuries during work hours, you have a case for workers’ compensation. Keep in mind, however, that this does not apply to incidents related to drug or alcohol use.

The Third Myth: It’s Grounds For Dismissal

If your boss attempts to let you go after you seek workers’ compensation benefits in Oregon, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer right away. This is an act of retaliation, and there are significant penalties for employers who engage in such a practice.

Reach out to the attorneys at Mark Thesing Inc. to learn more about workers’ compensation.