When Does Workers’ Comp Start Paying? 

If you have filed for workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury, you may find yourself wondering, “How many days until workers’ comp pays?”

Dealing with a painful work-related injury is stressful enough, but the added uncertainty of the claims process can be even more frustrating. In this blog, we will review the typical timeline for a Portland workers’ comp case so that you understand the process and how you can affect it.

How Long Does It Take Before Workers’ Comp Starts Paying?

The timeline for your specific workers’ comp claim depends on several factors. You are generally expected to notify your employer of the injury right away, and your employer must notify its insurance carrier within five days of receiving your notice.

Once your claim is submitted, the workers’ comp insurance carrier has 60 days from the date of your employer’s notification to accept or deny the claim in writing. If you do not receive a written notice of acceptance or denial within 60 days, you can request a hearing from the Oregon Workers’ Comp Board.

When Do Medical Benefits Begin?

If your claim is accepted, the insurance carrier should begin paying for your medical care immediately. To obtain reimbursement for medical expenses, you must submit a written request with copies of your medical bills or related receipts. Medical bills are not covered before claim acceptance.

Keep in mind that insurers only pay for medical bills that result from conditions for which they have accepted liability in writing. If you wish to claim medical benefits for new or additional conditions, you must submit another written request to the insurer and wait another 60 days for a determination.

When Do Non-Medical Benefits Begin?

Assuming your workers’ comp claim has been accepted, you are only entitled to lost wage benefits if you miss more than three days of work due to your injuries. Additionally, you will not be paid for the first three days of missed work unless:

• You’re admitted to a hospital within the first 14 days of the onset of a disability; or
• You’re unable to work for at least 14 consecutive days due to disability.

The insurance company must provide your first wage loss benefits check within 14 days of receiving a doctor’s note confirming your qualifying absence from work.

Why Do Workers’ Comp Claims Take So Long?

There are countless reasons a particular workers’ comp claim could be delayed. Concern over fraud has resulted in plenty of bureaucratic red tape that injured workers can get caught up in, and the complexity of the application process introduces many opportunities for errors and setbacks. Other common causes of claim slowdowns include medical reporting delays, understaffed insurance companies, and insurers’ reluctance to pay.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help with Your Claim

You’re permitted to represent yourself in a Portland workers’ comp case. However, workers’ compensation is a complex area of law, so it’s nearly always best to work with a qualified attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can tell you when you should start to receive workers’ compensation payments, how much you could be owed, and how to present your claim in the best light possible so that you receive your benefits in a timely fashion.

Contact an Experienced Portland Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a work-related accident in Portland, contact us online or call Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C. today. Our dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer can answer your questions and review your case for free in an initial consultation session.