Dispelling Workers' Compensation Myths

March 4, 2022

Employees who are injured in a work-related accident are entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits, including medical bills, lost wages, and permanent disability due to their injuries. However, there are lots of collective popular opinions and false assumptions out there surrounding workers' compensation insurance claims in Oregon. Without experienced guidance, an employee could easily make irreversible mistakes or hurt their case inadvertently when pursuing their workers' compensation benefits.



At the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando, we have the diligence, skills, and resources to assist, guide, and represent clients in their workers' compensation claims. Our knowledgeable Oregon workers’ compensation attorney can enlighten you about the common misconceptions surrounding the state's workers' compensation system, explore your options to seek workers' compensation benefits, and explain how to maximize these benefits. Also, we will fight vigorously to protect your best interests and help you pursue your deserved compensation for your workplace injuries or diseases.


The Law Office of Michael J. Orlando is proud to serve clients across Beaverton, Oregon, and the surrounding areas of Portland, Salem, and Eugene.

Common Myths About Workers' Compensation Claims In Oregon

There are lots of false assumptions that surround the state's workers' compensation insurance claims. Due to this, workers' compensation attorneys need to take their time to educate clients about the process and what to expect when they file their claims. Here are some common myths and misconceptions about workers' compensation claims in Oregon and a brief explanation about why they are false:

Myth #1: I'm a remote employee, so I am not covered under workers' compensation.

Under state laws, both telecommuting and remote workers are generally covered by the workers' compensation insurance policy. Therefore, regardless of where you're working from, if your injury occurred during work hours – while completing a work-related task – you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.

Myth #2: I could be fired for filing for workers' compensation.

In most cases, injured employees are not required to claim workers' compensation on their taxes. You don’t have to pay taxes on the compensation you receive for your work-related injury or disease. Therefore, whether you received a lump sum settlement or wage loss benefits at weekly intervals, workers' compensation benefits are neither taxable nor reported.

Myth #3: I'm required to claim workers' compensation on my taxes.

In most cases, injured employees are not required to claim workers' compensation on their taxes. You don’t have to pay taxes on the compensation you receive for your work-related injury or disease. Therefore, whether you received a lump sum settlement or wage loss benefits at weekly intervals, workers' compensation benefits are neither taxable nor reported.

Myth #4: I can't apply for a new job while on workers' compensation.

This is another common misconception. Under state laws, you are within your rights to change jobs or apply for new employment even while receiving workers' compensation benefits from your current employment. However, if you take another job, you will only be eligible for partial benefits.

Myth #5: Once a workers' compensation case is closed, it can't be reopened.

Reopening a closed workers' compensation case allows you to seek additional medical treatment or wage loss benefits for a job-related injury or disease. If your condition has deteriorated since closing your workers' compensation case in Oregon, you may be entitled to reopen your closed claim if:


  • Your medical condition deserves additional benefits.
  • Your worsening health condition is connected with your initial work-related illness or injury.
  • It is less than five years since the date of your injury (for a non-disabling claim) or that your claim was first closed (for a disabling claim).



Moreover, the form of settlement you signed may also affect your ability to reopen the closed workers' compensation case.

Myth #6: I can file for workers' compensation without the help of an attorney.

When filing a workers' compensation claim, it is crucial that you retain an experienced attorney. Your legal counsel will review the facts of your case, help facilitate the entire process, and attempt to maximize your worker's compensation benefits. Hence, you're strongly advised to retain an attorney when seeking your workers' compensation claims.

How the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando Can Help

Being injured or suffering a disease in your employment can be a difficult and emotional experience. Such an unfortunate incident can have a substantial impact on your mental, financial, and physical well-being. Thankfully, you may be eligible to seek fair compensation by pursuing workers' compensation benefits. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can educate you about the common misconceptions and myths surrounding the claims process and help you navigate crucial decisions when seeking your workers' compensation benefits.



At the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando, we are dedicated to offering knowledgeable legal guidance and compassionate representation to employees involved in work-related accidents. We will fight diligently to advocate for your legal rights and help you seek your rightful compensation for your injuries, lost wages, permanent impairment, and any other available damages.


Contact the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando today to schedule a simple case assessment with a trustworthy workers' compensation lawyer. We can offer you the experienced legal counsel, support, and vigorous representation you need to recover the workers' compensation benefits that you're entitled to. We're proud to serve clients across Beaverton, Portland, Salem, and Eugene, Oregon.

I Don’t Like the Doctor They Sent Me To. What Can I Do?

June 17, 2022
An injury at work can have a serious impact on your health. To recover fully from your injury, you’ll need excellent medical care from a doctor that you trust. But, what if you don’t like the doctor that the hospital or your employer sent you to?  In Oregon, you have options when it comes to your treatment after a work injury. However, the process of changing your workers’ compensation doctor can be complicated and confusing. With the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney , you can navigate the process and be confident that your best interests are represented. Whether you need help filing a claim for a work injury or you’re ready to switch doctors, the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando is ready to assist you. Our attorney has years of experience in the insurance industry, having worked as an adjuster, auditor, and insurance company supervisor. Now, he works to help injured workers receive the compensation they deserve. The Law Office of Michael J. Orlando is proud to serve clients in Beaverton, Oregon, as well as Eugene, Salem, and Portland.

What If My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied?

April 26, 2022
Workplace accidents can happen for any number of reasons, and when they do, it’s reassuring to know your expenses will be covered by worker’s compensation benefits. Workers’ comp insurance is required for the vast majority of Oregon employers and ensures that costs like medical bills and lost wages are covered by their plan. While many of these claims are straightforward, others can be more complicated, and you may be denied coverage. When this happens, you have every right to appeal this decision. If you’d like help with filing or appealing a recent workers’ comp claim denial, give us a call at the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando to discuss your options. From our offices in Beaverton, Oregon, we’re able to serve any injured worker throughout the State of Oregon.

What Benefits are Available Through Workers’ Compensation?

April 16, 2022
Workplace accidents happen every day. Suffering an injury in the workplace can affect your future negatively. Worse yet, an injury could mean you can no longer work in the job you have experience in, all the while being riddled with medical bills.  At the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando, we diligently strive that you can get the best outcome for your future. Making a workers’ compensation claim is not easy to do, and having an experienced attorney by your side allows you the knowledge and support you need, with the same goals you have. We strive to get you the full benefits you deserve. Our comprehensive knowledge of workers’ compensation benefits has helped clients in Beaverton, Portland, Salem, Eugene, and throughout Oregon.

Can You Reopen Closed Workers’ Compensation Cases in Oregon?

February 17, 2022
If you’ve ever been injured in a work-related accident, you know that workers’ compensation will cover your medical expenses and any lost wages that are related to the injury. Most employers in Oregon are mandated by the state to carry this insurance for their employees, and by doing so, they ensure the safety and security of the workers as well as themselves since receiving these benefits means employees cannot pursue litigation. But what happens if your case has already been closed yet you still need treatment for your workplace injury? If you’d like to know more about reopening your workers’ compensation case, call the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando to speak with an experienced attorney . We’re proud to represent and support workers in and around Beaverton, Oregon, and throughout the state, including the Portland metro area, Salem, and Eugene.

Can I Apply for a New Job While on Workers' Comp?

January 28, 2022
If you have been hurt on the job, workers’ compensation may reimburse you for your medical bills and cover a portion of your lost wages. Many injured workers who receive workers’ compensation benefits are unable to return to their job until they recover from the injury. Some workers may want to apply for a new job while receiving workers’ compensation.  The problem, however, with seeking employment while on workers’ compensation is that it could potentially affect your benefits. That is why you need to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney in Beaverton, Oregon, to discuss how taking a new job might affect your benefits. At the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando, we help workers throughout Oregon—including Beaverton, Portland, Eugene, and Salem—navigate the workers’ compensation system.

Injuries That Qualify For Workers’ Compensation

December 9, 2021
You spend many hours of your life at work, making it very possible that one day you might suffer an injury while you are on the job. You may even develop an illness or disease because of your line of work. In any situation where an injury or illness happens due to your job, you can count on having medical bills because of it.  Paying for medical bills while taking time off work to recover from an injury is a stressful situation. Fortunately, Oregon law has established workers’ compensation benefits to protect employees in these circumstances. However, the process of filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits is challenging. The Law Office of Michael J. Orlando can help you navigate this difficult process. Attorney Michael J. Orlando spent more than a decade working as an insurance adjuster, auditor, and supervisor. Now, he has dedicated himself to putting that experience to work on the other side of the courtroom. The Law Office of Michael J. Orlando is proud to represent injured workers in Beaverton, Oregon, as well as Eugene, Salem, and Portland.

Workers’ Compensation & Third Party Claims

December 7, 2021
When a worker gets injured while performing their work duties, they may be able to obtain compensation for some of their expenses and losses by filing a workers’ compensation claim against the employer’s insurance. In some cases, however, a workers’ compensation claim may not be the only claim an injured worker can pursue to recover damages.  Depending on the circumstances of your work-related injury, you could be able to file a third-party personal injury claim. Each case is unique, which is why you should have a consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney here in the Beaverton, Oregon area. At the Law Office of Michael J. Orlando, we represent victims of workplace accidents and help them pursue benefits through workers’ comp and third-party liability claims.