Read About Injury and Disability News in Washington and Oregon
We are always watching for recent news items affecting Oregon and Washington injury or disability issues. Whether it's a new decision from the Oregon or Washington Courts, or the Workers' Compensation Board, we keep you updated with stories that can help you understand the process.
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Social Security Medical Opinion No Good: Conflict of InterestConsultative Examiners are often active treating doctors. A federal court said that a physician who treated a claimant cannot later work for Social Security.
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Social Security Releases Report on Hearings BacklogThe backlog of hearings is nothing new, but it is not getting better, despite Social Security's concentrated efforts. A recent report offers some insight.
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Oregon Workers Comp. Board Rules Against Traveling EmployeeOregon Workers' Compensation benefits apply to injuries in the course and scope of employment, Special rules are used in the case of "traveling employees."
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Oregon Workers' Compensation Board Rules on SettlementsOregon Workers' Compensation allows an injured worker to resolve their claim. However, there are limits. This case clarifies what can be settled and what Kim.
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Oregon Workers' Compensation Case Summary: Claim ClosureThis Oregon Workers' Compensation Board decision addresses the need for an insurance company to have sufficient information to close a claim.
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Oregon Court of Appeals Rules on Biomechanical TestimonySometimes, insurance companies hire "biomechanists," to testify that some auto collisions cannot cause injury.The Court of Appeals recently ruled on this issue.
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Heavy Summer Traffic Brings Fatal Collisions on Oregon CoastTwo recent fatal collisions occurred on the Oregon Coast on the same day. During the busy summer season, motors must be even more cautious.
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Oregon Court of Appeals: Philip Morris Jurors Acted ReasonablyIn a recent decision, the Oregon Court of Appeals found jurors in case against Philip Morris case were reasonable in assessing punitive damages.
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Federal Court Rules on Social Security Credibility FindingThere are many rules Social Security must follow to determine disability. However, whether someone is disabled often depends on their credibility.
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Federal Appeals Court Sends Case Back to Social SecurityWhen Social Security denies a claim at hearing, it must explain why. In this case, the Federal Appeals Court found that Social Security did not explain itself.
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Workers' Compensation Board Slashes Injured Workers' BenefitsWhether an Oregon Workers' Compensation permanent partial disability award can be discounted is unclear. The Court of Appeals will likely decide this issue.
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Physician Assistant Only Can Authorize Limited Time loss BenefitsOregon Workers' Compensation statutes and rules limit which kinds of health care providers can authorize temporary disability benefits.
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Court Appeals: Workers' Comp. May Cover Coffee Break InjuryWhether an Oregon on-the-job injury occurs in the course and scope of employment is often complex. The Court of Appeals found a coffee break injury compensable.
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Federal District Court Rules on ALJ's DutiesSocial Security rules and statutes require an ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) to properly gather evidence in determining whether someone is disabled.
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Injury During Day Off is Covered Under Oregon Workers' Comp.Whether an injury occurs in the course and scope of employment depends on many factors. In this case, an injury that occurred on the worker's day off was covered.
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Federal Court Rules on Intellectual DisabilityIn this case, the US Circuit Court of Appeals ordered reevaluation of evidence involving IQ tests and whether Claimant was "malingering."
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Oregon Workers' Board Finds Fall At Work Not CoveredOregon Workers' Compensation does not cover all injuries that occur at work. There must be some connection between the work activity and the resulting injury.
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Pre- Closure Behavior Penalized By Workers' Comp BoardInsurance companies can be held accountable for failing to take action even before an Oregon Workers' Compensation claim is closed.