What is workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. In Oregon, the system is administered by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Workers' Compensation Division.

Does my employer have to carry workers' comp insurance?

Oregon requires coverage for all employers with 1 or more employees [§ 656.023]. Employers cannot opt out of coverage requirements.

How much will I receive in benefits?

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are A percentage of the worker's own wages, subject to a statutory weekly maximum; confirm the current rate and cap with a lawyer. Benefits continue paid during the period of temporary total disability; benefits end at claim closure or on other statutory termination grounds; confirm with a lawyer.

What is the exclusive remedy rule?

The [def:exclusive remedy] doctrine means workers' compensation is generally your only remedy against your employer for workplace injuries [§ 656.018]. You typically cannot sue your employer separately for the same injury.

OverviewUpdated 2026-02-27

Oregon Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights

Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in Oregon.

Jump to:

Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Oregon — Steps & Deadlines Workers' Comp Benefits — TTD, PPD & Medical Coverage Denied Workers' Comp Claims in Oregon — Your Options Workers' Comp Retaliation — Know Your Rights Independent Medical Exams (IME) in Oregon Workers' Comp Workers' Comp Settlements & Hearings — What to Expect

How Workers' Comp Claims Work

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.

⚠️

Injury Occurs

workplace accident

📄

Report to Employer

notify promptly

📋

File Claim

submit to insurer

🏥

Medical Treatment

authorized providers

✅

Benefits Paid

wage & medical

If Claim Is Disputed

❌

Claim Denied

insurer rejects claim

🏛️

Appeal / Hearing

before workers' comp board

💰

Settlement

lump sum or structured

High-level illustration only. Timelines, procedures, and benefits vary by state and employer.

Who Is Covered?

Oregon requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with 1 or more employees §656.023. The Exclusive remedy doctrine means that in most cases, workers' comp is your sole remedy against your employer for workplace injuries §656.018.

Key Deadlines

Report the injury to your employer within Notice to the employer is required promptly after the accident, within a deadline set by statute; confirm the current deadline with a lawyer §656.265

File a formal claim within 1 year from date of injury or knowledge of occupational disease §656.265

Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment plans

Cooperate with any independent medical examination requests

⚠Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to benefits entirely. Report your injury as soon as possible.

Benefit Overview

Workers' compensation in Oregon provides several categories of benefits:

	Description
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)	A percentage of the worker's own wages, subject to a statutory weekly maximum; confirm the current rate and cap with a lawyer; Paid during the period of temporary total disability; benefits end at claim closure or on other statutory termination grounds; confirm with a lawyer
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)	Yes, permanent partial disability based on loss of earning capacity or impairment ratings §656.214
Death Benefits	66.67% of average weekly wage to dependents; burial expenses up to $20,000 §656.204
Medical Treatment	All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury

Medical Treatment

Employee may choose their own attending physician; insurer has the right to select medical arbiter §656.245. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.

✓Keep detailed records of every medical visit, prescription, and work restriction related to your injury. This documentation is critical if your claim is disputed.

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