Oregon Workers' Compensation Primer: Notice of Closure
Oregon injured workers often contact me near the end of their workers' compensation claim when they receive a Notice of Closure. Some workers will call and tell me that the insurance company wants to "settle up" on their on the job injury claim. A Notice of Closure is an important event in the workers' compensation process. Here is a brief primer.
When you are injured on the job in Oregon, your workers' compensation carrier provides medical services, and disability benefits. At some point, your treating doctor will decide that you are "medically stationary." This means that the passage of time or more medical care is not going to significantly improve your condition. Depending on the type of injury you suffered, the insurance company will close your claim when your doctor finds that you are medically stationary. This is done with a Notice of Closure. A lot of things happen with this Notice of Closure.
First, the insurance company is deciding that you are no longer eligible for medical care aimed at curing your condition. You may still be able to get some continuing care, but generally, it's not the kind of care aimed at a full recovery. Second, the insurance carrier is deciding whether you are entitled to a "permanent partial disability" benefit. This is a benefit designed to compensate an injured worker for his or her permanent loss of earning capacity as a result of the on the job injury. It is a cash benefit determined by results of a medical examination, and a doctor's opinion. This also may be the time where the insurance company evaluates whether you are eligible for vocational benefits. This is a benefit that may provide job training to get an injured worker back to work making the same money she made before her injury.
If you are confused by a Notice of Closure, you can give us a call for a no charge consultation. Often times I will review your claims file just to make sure you are getting all the benefits you deserve.
