The Oregon Workers’ Compensation law provides a right of appeal of a Notice of Closure, which is known as a Request for Reconsideration. There are several issues you may want to appeal from your Notice of Closure. However, you are not the only one that can appeal the Notice of Closure.
Oregon law allows an insurance company to appeal its own closure. Why would an insurance company close a claim, and then later decide to appeal its own decision? This is an excellent question.
Well, insurance companies often audit or review their decisions, and they may see an opportunity to correct a mistake. Sometimes, an attorney gets involved, and again, sees a potential issue, or an opportunity to reduce a permanent partial disability award. In all fairness as well, insurance companies are limited to the attending physician’s findings or concurrence with other doctors’ findings at closure, and may simply want a second opinion.
If you have a claim that has been closed, and your insurance company is seeking an appeal, or if you just have questions, give us a call at 503-325-8600. We can let you know where you stand.