Injured worker overview

Were you hurt on the job?

If you believe you were injured at work or suffer from an illness because of your job, tell your employer as soon as possible. Injured workers in Oregon have the right to file a claim, seek medical care, and access benefits for time off.

For more information, read “What happens if I’m hurt on the job?” (1138 brochure). It is also available in Spanish and Russian.

You can also see the brochure in video format in both English or Spanish.

The workers’ compensation industry has a language of its own. Have a look at Oregon workers’ compensation terms and abbreviations to help clarify.

What are my rights?

You have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Read more on the claim filing process to learn the steps you need to take.

• Your employer cannot force you to not file a claim.
• Your employer cannot force you to say your injury did not happen while working.
• Your employer should provide you the Form 801 “Report of Job Injury or Illness” for you to complete your portion and send your claim to your employer’s insurer within five days of being notified of your injury.
• You have the right to be represented by an attorney at no cost for attorney’s fees.
  
• You may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation. You can find an attorney for a free consultation through the Yellow Pages or online. You also can contact the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 503-684-3763, 800-452-7636 (toll-free), or http://www.oregonstatebar.org.
• You have the right to seek medical treatment with a doctor of your choice. This may be your own doctor or a doctor of a managed care organization (MCO), depending on the specifics of your claim.
• If you do not agree with the insurer’s decision about your claim, you have the right to appeal the decision.
  
• For help requesting a hearing on an insurer’s decision about your claim, contact the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers at 800-927-1271 (toll-free) or 503-378-3351.
  

Worker responsibilities

• Tell your employer about your injury as soon as possible.
• Read all letters and notices about your claim.
• Cooperate with your insurer regarding interviews and independent medical examinations (IMEs).
  
• Pay attention to all appointments, time limits, and dates.
• If you fail to take action or if you miss a deadline, you may lose your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.
• Keep copies of all letters you send and receive.
• Keep all your medical appointments.
• Contact your employer immediately when your doctor releases you to work.
• Tell your insurer about any secondary job(s) within 30 days of the insurer’s receipt of the initial claim.