When you’re hurt in an accident at work, you can typically apply for workers’ compensation to cover the costs of your medical care, lost wages, and other needs. There are some responsibilities you have when you receive this assistance, and if you don’t meet them, you could lose your coverage. For instance, you need to keep your appointments and attend an independent medical exam if one is scheduled for you. If you don’t keep up with your appointments, it’s possible to lose access to your workers’ compensation coverage, since it may appear you do not need the medical care.
It’s possible to become what is known as “medically stationary.” This means that a doctor agrees that your condition is stable but not going to get better with the passage of time or treatment. When this happens, workers’ compensation coverage begins to be limited to things like your prescriptions and some medical services. However, if your condition does worsen for some reason, then you can reopen your claim. You can use these aggravation rights up to give years after your claim closes.
If you get worse after that time period, you’ll need to contact the insurer directly. Your case may be reopened and you could receive temporary disability compensation while you go through recovery. Your doctor must authorize this.
Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated over time, but you have the right to seek out the money you need to care for yourself after a workplace injury. Our website has more information on how you can file a claim in Oregon, so you can seek out the benefit you need to support yourself.