How to Check the Status of My Workers’ Comp Claim

The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) provides benefits to eligible employees who need help with medical expenses and lost wages after sustaining workplace injuries. However, the process of applying for and receiving workers’ compensation can be frustrating, especially when long waits and repeated delays prevent you from keeping up with bills and living expenses.

How to Check the Status of a Workers’ Comp Claim

To check the status of your Oregon Workers’ Compensation claim, you can take the following simple steps:

• Locate your claim number or employer ID number. You can search for the status of your claim using your WCD Claim File number, your Insurer Claim number, or your employer’s WCD ID number. Your workers’ comp application paperwork will likely include your WCD Claim File number and your Insurer Claim number. You can also search for your employer’s ID number here.
• Visit the Oregon WCD website. To search by WCD Claim File number or Insurer Claim number, visit this page. To search by your employer’s WCD ID number, go here.
• Enter your claim number or employer ID number. Follow the prompts on the Oregon WCD website and enter the necessary information for your claim. Select your preferred report format and click “Submit” to view your claim status.
• Contact an attorney for additional information. If you need further details about the status of your claim, it’s best to work with a knowledgeable attorney. Your employer isn’t responsible for processing your claim and won’t have the most up-to-date information. While the insurance company can provide status updates, they look out for your employer’s interests, not yours. As a result, it’s best to work with a lawyer who can handle all communications with the insurance company and expedite the claims process on your behalf.

What Might Delay the Workers’ Compensation Process?

Although workers’ compensation claimants are supposed to receive the benefits they need promptly, some claims take much longer to process due to factors such as:

• Insurance company delays – The insurance company may be responsible for delays due to understaffing, poor staff training, administrative errors, or attempts to negotiate a lower settlement amount.
• Employer delays – Your employer could cause delays if they fail to adhere to proper reporting or filing procedures or attempt to ignore or discredit your claim so they can avoid paying you what you are owed.
• Claim paperwork errors – If you made any mistakes or omissions when you filed your claim, it could delay the process because the insurance company will likely ask you to re-submit certain forms or provide additional details.

What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies or Undervalues My Claim?

Don’t give up hope if you receive a denial or unfavorable settlement offer in response to your workers’ compensation claim. You have the right to appeal the decision, but you’ll need to act quickly.

When the insurance company sends you a letter to notify you of their decision, they should provide information about your appeal rights. In most cases, you’ll have 60 days from when you receive the letter to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The ALJ will set a hearing within 90 days of your request and issue a decision within 30 days of the hearing.

If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, you can appeal their decision to the Workers’ Compensation Board within 30 days. If you are still unsatisfied, an attorney can help you take your case to the Oregon Court of Appeals or even the Oregon Supreme Court for further review.

Do I Need an Attorney to Help Settle My Workers’ Compensation Case?

If you are frustrated by inexplicable delays or confusing denials of your workers’ compensation claim, a lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and demand the benefits you deserve. Contact our offices at Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., to learn more in a free initial consultation.