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February 5th, 2025
No one goes to work expecting to get hurt. But workplace injuries happen more often than you might think. If you were hurt at work in Oregon, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the biggest is likely about money: “Will I get a settlement for my work injury?”
At Hess Injury Law, we understand how stressful and scary it can be to get hurt on the job. You’re in pain, missing work and the bills are piling up. The good news is Oregon has laws to protect injured workers like you. In most cases, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and get benefits, including a settlement. Let’s break down what you need to know.
Work injuries can happen in any job, but some industries are riskier than others. For instance, construction workers face hazards like falls, being struck by objects, and equipment accidents.
Other common work injuries we see at Hess Injury Law include:
No matter what type of injury you have, if it happened at work, you likely have a workers’ comp claim.
If you get hurt at work, you have rights. It doesn’t matter if the injury was your fault or not. In Oregon, workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system. That means you have the right to file a claim and get medical treatment, even if you caused your own injury by accident.
Oregon law also says your employer can’t stop you from filing a claim or force you to say your injury didn’t happen at work. If your employer does try to prevent you from filing for workers’ comp, they’re breaking the law. Don’t let them scare you! You have the right to file a claim no matter what your boss says.
To get the benefits you’re owed, you should tell your employer about your work injury as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it could hurt your chances of getting a settlement. Your company should give you a form called an “801 form” to fill out. Do this right away, and make sure to list all your injuries. Your employer then sends the 801 form to their workers’ comp insurance company.
After reporting your injury, your next step is to see a doctor. Don’t wait – getting medical treatment right away is important for your health and your claim.
In Oregon, you can choose your own doctor for a work injury. Just make sure to tell the doctor your injury happened at work. They’ll fill out a different form, the 827, and send it to your employer’s insurer.
Remember, your medical bills for a work injury should never come to you. Don’t pay any doctor or hospital bills related to your work injury. Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance has to pay those bills – that’s the law. If you’re getting bills, tell your employer and call us at Hess Injury Law right away.
After you file your workers’ comp claim, the insurance company has 60 days to accept or deny your claim. You’ll receive a letter in the mail with their decision.
Anytime there’s a dispute on your claim – a denial, incorrect benefits, or insufficient compensation – you need an attorney to protect your rights. Workers’ comp attorneys are only paid if they win benefits for you, so there’s no risk in seeking help.
Many injured workers want to know if and when they can get a settlement for their Oregon workers’ comp claim. The answer depends on whether your claim is accepted or denied.
If you’re considering settling your Oregon workers’ comp claim, it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney first. They can evaluate your case, explain your options, and make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
Oregon law says you have the right to hire a lawyer for your workers’ comp claim. Calling a lawyer is one of the smartest things you can do, especially if your claim is denied or you have a serious injury.
At Hess Injury Law, we help injured workers by:
The best part? It costs nothing to hire us. We work on contingency, meaning our fee comes out of your settlement. If we don’t win benefits for you, you don’t pay us a penny.
Getting hurt at work is hard. Your injury may heal, but the stress and confusion of dealing with the workers’ comp system can be overwhelming. Please know that you’re not alone. Our caring legal team at Hess Injury Law is here to guide you every step of the way.
If you were injured on the job in Hermiston, Pullman, or nearby cities in Oregon, contact Hess Injury Law for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight to get you the settlement you deserve. You have rights as an injured worker. We’re here to protect them.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.
Peter J. Hess grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. He is a 1996 graduate of Walla Walla High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Washington, with a B.A. in Business Administration/Information Systems.
Peter graduated from Willamette University College of Law, with honors, in 2007. While at Willamette, he was an Associate Editor of the Willamette Law Review, he was a Teacher’s Assistant for a Legal Research and Writing professor, and he worked as a Personal Injury Law Clerk at Swanson, Lathen, Alexander & McCann in Salem, Oregon. After graduation from Willamette, Peter began working here at Hess Injury Law. In 2012, he became a partner in the firm. He is licensed to practice law in both Washington and Oregon.
