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.
- Page 1
-
Social Security Administration Announces Cost of Living Adjustment for Social Security Disability BenefitsSocial Security increases monthly benefits each year depending upon increases in the cost of living.
-
Oregon Supreme Court Finds Diagnostic Testing Compensable for Non-Accepted ConditionsOregon Workers' Compensation covers medical services for accepted conditions, but the Court found diagnostic tests for other conditions may also be covered.
-
Game Changer: Oregon Supreme Court and Workers' Comp. DisabilityFor years, Oregon Workers' Comp. carriers took steep discounts on permanent disability payments by ignoring the law. We took two cases to the Court, and won.
-
Court of Appeals Addresses "Combined Condition" DenialPre-existing conditions in Oregon Workers' Compensation are a problem. This case shows how insurance companies deny claims that include pre-existing conditions.
-
Modified Job Must Be Approved by Treating Doctor Board RulesThe Oregon Workers' Compensation Board found that an injured worker was entitled to full disability benefits because his doctor did not approve a modified job.
-
Injured Worker Proves Claim Without Key WitnessInjured workers must prove their claim when appealing a denial. This case shows the importance of factual and medical proof in an Oregon Workers' Comp. claim.
-
Study Suggests Drugged Driving Was More Fatal Than Drunk DrivingA recent study Found that in 2015, more fatally injured driver's tested positive for drug use than alcohol.Still, drunk driving remains the bigger problem.
-
"Textalyzer" v. PrivacyTo curb distracted driving, some government agencies are considering using devices that determine if somebody is taxing and driving. Privacy advocates are worried.
-
Social Security Numbers Shed Light On Disability AppealsSocial Security recently released its numbers on disability appeals. Initial disability application approvals are down. However, appeal still makes sense.
-
NFL Admits Admits Link Between Football and Brain DiseaseThe NFL admitted the long suspected link between football injuries and brain disease while a federal appeals court mulls over a proposed settlement for retired players.
-
Pedestrian Death Rate Surges in Washington StateCell phones, gas prices and an improved economy are some of the factors associated with an alarming increase in pedestrian deaths in 2015.
-
A Few Thoughts on Bill Cosby's Legal IssuesBill Cosby's legal issues have dominated the news in the past several weeks. Here are a few thoughts on the legal aspects of the civil case.
-
Guardrails Scrapped In VirginiaThe State of Virginia scrapped Trinity guardrails after safety test revealed increased risk of death or injury. Several other lawsuits alleged that their injury
-
State Supreme Court Takes Up Gun Liability CaseA mother is suing a gunshot for selling a firearm to her mentally ill daughter that was used to kill her husband. The Missouri Supreme Court will rule in the case.
-
Oregon Supreme Court: Taxicab Drivers Not Independent ContractorsWhether someone is working as an independent contractor or an employee has significant ramifications. A recent Oregon Supreme Court case found for taxi drivers.
-
Board Sorts Out Treatment From Actual Medical OpinionOregon Workers' Compensation allows benefits for a medical condition that requires treatment. Sometimes, whether something is an actual "condition" is not clear.
-
Board Finds The Prior Shoulder Injury Not Part of New Claim"Pre-existing conditions" are a huge part of the Oregon Workers' Compensation system. However, the pre-existing condition must combine with the injury event.
-
Workers' Comp Board Rules on Consequential Injury ClaimIn Oregon Workers' Compensation claims, an injured worker can file a claim for a "consequential condition" when an on-the-job injury causes another problem.
-
Federal Court Rules on Social Security Claimant's CredibilityThere are many rules a Judge must follow to determine whether a person is disabled under Social Security, but it often boils down to credibility.
-
Court Says Medical Opinion After Social Security Hearing GoodMedical opinions play a central role in Social Security Disability. This federal court case shows that an opinion after hearing helps if it talks about the past