Workers compensation

The attorneys of Guinn & Munns handle all types of Worker's Compensation and on the job injuries.  If you have been injured at work you know how complicated your claim can be.

 

Right from the beginning you will have to fill out a form called a 801 form.  This form is very important because it starts your claim and asks important questions about what happened and if you have ever had a similar injury.  Usually clients come to us after they have completed this form.  This is normal.  We will be able to help you with all aspects of your claim.   

 

After you make your claim then you have to wait to see if the insurance company is going to deny or accept your case.  We take all kinds of workers comp cases whether there is a denial or an acceptance.  Even if your case is accepted it does not mean everything will go smoothly.  Some of our most complicated cases are those where the insurance company has accepted your case but not all of your injuries.  We will work to ensure that you receive full compensation for all of your injuries. 

 

For most people being injured on the job can bring financial stress.  Being out of work can put a strain on your life in ways you may never expect.  The loss of income can be significant.  In the worker's compensation system you are entitled to benefits for your lost wages.  However, as you may already know there are significant restrictions.  For instance you will not be paid for the first three days of work you miss unless you have vacation or sick time at work you can use.  Also time loss benefits, or temporary total disability benefits as they are known, only compensate you for two-thirds of your average weekly wage.  This can also be capped if you make more than the average worker in Oregon.  We will aggresively work to ensure that you get all the wage loss benefits you are entitled to.

 

Another aspect of a workers comp case you may have to experience is an Independent Medical Examination, or an IME, these are also known as Insurance Medical Exams.  The insurance company has a right to have you examined by a doctor they choose.  They will not choose someone who is likely to see things your way.  Rest assured we have significant experience with these doctors and will work with your doctors and help you find an independent doctor to examine you, if needed, to counter the recommendations of the IME doctors.  This part of the case is often very important.  Much of the worker's compensation process is determined by what the doctors think your injuries are, how to treat them, and how much you have recovered.

 

The lawyers of Guinn & Munns are experienced in all phases of your claim.  We will take your case to hearing if needed to fight for the compensation you are entitled to.  We can also settle your case if that is the best way to help you.  Your case also may be appealed by the insurance company.  We have handled many cases through this process and will work hard and argue your case on appeal to achieve the results you deserve.

 

At the end of your case you may be entitled to vocational re-training.  Basically, the insurance may have to pay you your normal wage, and pay for school to retrain you to do a different job if you are unable to return to your job because of your injuries.  This is a very important benefit and one which the insurance company will fight to keep you from getting.  We will fight for you to help you get back on your feet after an injury.

 

You may also qualify for a one-time payment for permanent partial disability, or PPD.  If your claim qualifies the insurance company must evaluate how much money you should get to compensate you for your permanent injury.  This is an area of workers compensation benefits that often leads to reconsideration, hearings, or appeals.  We can help you receive the highest possible disability award.

 

If you have been injured on the job.  Call us today to get help with your worker's compensation claim.