How to Check the Progress of Your Workers' Comp Claim in OR (2024)

A workplace injury can have a serious impact on your emotional, physical, and financial well-being. That’s why workers’ compensation exists in Oregon, with organizations such as the Workers Compensation Division (WCD) and SAIF providing injured workers with the benefits they need to cover their medical expenses and lost wages.

Unfortunately, the process of filing a claim isn’t always as quick or clear-cut as it should be. Many people wind up getting stuck in the process for weeks or even months wondering if they’ll be approved. If you want to check the status of your workers’ comp claim, you’ve come to the right place.

Important Workers Compensation Claim Terms to Know

Here are some basic terms to know when it comes to filing a workers’ comp claim in Oregon:

• • Claim Number: a number generated during the workers’ comp application process to identify and track your case. It can be used to check the status of your claim.
  • Employer ID Number: a number assigned to a business entity by the IRS, which can be used to look up a claim.
  • Independent Medical Exam (IME): a medical examination of an injured worker, conducted by a physician at the request of the insurer.
  • Settlement: a legal agreement negotiated between an injured worker and an insurer, which may take the form of a lump sum or a structured payment schedule. Learn more.
  • Dispute: a disagreement between participants involved in a workers’ compensation claim; most workers’ comp disputes center around whether or not an injured employee is entitled to benefits and the amount that should be paid.
  • State Accident Insurance Fund (SAIF): Oregon’s publicly owned insurance company, which sells workers’ comp insurance to employers in the state. Learn more.
  • No-Fault Insurance Policy: a workers’ comp policy wherein compensability is not dependant upon either party being at fault: Oregon’s workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system.

How to Check the Status of Your Claim

Step 1: Locate your claim number or employer ID number

Your WCD claim file number should be included on your workers’ comp application paperwork. It’s always a good idea to make copies of all files and forms used throughout the process and keep them together in a safe place. That way you can easily access relevant information when you need to.

Step 2: Go online

Visit the Department of Consumer and Business Services here to input your WCD claim file number and the insurer claim number. Choose the format in which you’d like to receive the information, and get an update on the status of your claim.

If you’re using an employer’s ID number rather than your claim number, click here.

Step 3: Contact a workers’ comp attorney for further assistance

If you have any questions about the process, it’s always a good idea to reach out to a qualified attorney to get expert advice and representation.

The process of getting your benefits can be stressful and frustrating. Having a professional who knows the ins and outs of the workers’ comp process will significantly increase your chances of being approved and getting your benefits as soon as possible.

Reasons Why Your Workers Comp Claim Hasn’t Been Approved Yet

There are a number of reasons why the approval of your workers’ comp claim may be delayed and show an “in progress” status. The most common causes include:

Employer and Insurance Delays

In many cases, valid workers’ compensation claims are delayed due to negligence, incompetence, or lack of communication on the part of the employer. Insurers also sometimes cause delays.

In these situations, it can be a major advantage to have an experienced Oregon workers’ compensation attorney on your side. At RGMR, we’ll do everything we can to put consistent pressure on your employer and their insurer in order to keep the process moving.

Schedule a Free Consultation with RGMR’s Workers’ Comp Lawyers!

Your Claim Was Filled Out Incorrectly

If you’re injured on the job, it’s essential that you report the injury as quickly as possible following the incident. Failing to do so can interfere with your eligibility and the perceived legitimacy of your claim. It’s also important to give an accurate and thorough account and avoid mistakes in your paperwork, as errors can cause delays.

Doing your own research and working with a qualified workers’ comp attorney can help limit the risk of unnecessary delays in the claims process.

Related: 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Workers’ Comp Claims

How Long Does it Usually Take to Get Workers’ Compensation Approved?

Generally speaking, most people can expect to find out if their claim has been approved or denied within a few weeks after filing Form 801. In the state of Oregon, insurers are legally required to accept or deny workers comp claims within 60 days.

What To Do if Workers’ Compensation Gets Denied

If you receive a letter of denial, you don’t have to give up. Thousands of claims are unfairly denied due to a variety of reasons, from insurance companies hoping you won’t appeal to claim paperwork errors. In the event that your claim is denied, the expert attorneys at RGMR can help you appeal the decision and fight for your rights.

Need Help Getting Your Workers’ Comp Claim Approved? RGMR Can Help!

Dealing with the aftermath of a workplace injury is a major hardship. Delays in the process of getting approved only make things more difficult.

But you don’t have to fight alone. At RGMR, we’re here to help you navigate the complicated and often-frustrating legal process of filing a claim and getting your benefits approved. We can help you:

• Refile a workers’ compensation claim
• Get other benefits you deserve
• Address delays in getting approved
• Negotiate a settlement for more money or benefits
• Dispute your workers’ compensation claim denial

Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

If you’ve been injured due to a workplace incident, you may be feeling like the system is against you. But you don’t have to fight this battle alone. At , we’re committed to getting you the benefits you’re entitled to.

With over 70 years of combined experience, we have the expertise and in-depth knowledge necessary to provide you with the legal representation you deserve. We offer free consultations to all of our new clients and we won’t charge a single fee unless we win your case.

Contact us today.