How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Oregon: Deadlines & Process (2026)

Filing a workers' compensation claim in Oregon involves reporting to your employer and submitting forms to the insurer and Workers' Compensation Division.

Step 1: Report Injury to Employer

Deadline: As soon as possible (strict 90-day deadline for compensation) How: Written or oral notice to supervisor or employer What to include: When, where, and how injury occurred

Critical: Failure to notify within 90 days may bar claim for compensation (medical-only claims less strict)

Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment

Provider selection: May choose own attending physician Employer may: Provide list of physicians but cannot force you to choose from list Authorization: Insurer must authorize ongoing treatment

Step 3: Employer Reports Injury

Form: Form 801 (Report of Job Injury or Illness) Deadline: Employer must report within 5 days of knowledge Filed with: Insurer and Workers' Compensation Division (WCD)

Step 4: File Worker's Report of Injury

Form: Form 801 (Worker's section) or separate Form 827 Where: Give to employer, who forwards to insurer When: As soon as possible, within 90 days for compensation claim

Step 5: Insurer Processes Claim

Investigation: Insurer reviews medical evidence, circumstances Acceptance: Issues Notice of Acceptance (specifies accepted conditions) Denial: Issues Notice of Denial Partial acceptance: May accept some conditions, deny others Timeline: Must accept or deny within 60 days (may extend to 90 days)

Step 6: If Claim Denied or Disputed

Request reconsideration: From insurer Request hearing: File with Workers' Compensation Board

Filing Deadlines

Notice to employer: 90 days for compensation (medical-only more lenient) Claim filing with insurer: 1 year from injury (strict statute of limitations) Occupational disease: 1 year from diagnosis or should have known

Critical: Oregon's 1-year statute is strictly enforced. Late claims barred.

Aggravation Claims

Definition: Worsening of accepted condition after claim closure Deadline: Within 5 years of claim closure (or 60 months of last arrangement of compensation) Form: Request for Reconsideration or Hearing

Common Mistakes

• Missing 90-day notice or 1-year filing deadline
• Not getting medical documentation of work-relatedness
• Accepting claim closure without understanding permanency rights
• Not listing all injuries on Form 801
• Settling without legal advice

FAQs

Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Oregon? A: 1 year from injury date (strict deadline). Notice to employer within 90 days to preserve compensation rights.

Q: What if I miss the deadline? A: Claim may be barred. Very limited exceptions (fraud, medical inability to know of injury).

Q: Can I choose my own doctor? A: Yes. You may choose your attending physician.

Q: What if employer doesn't file Form 801? A: You can file Form 827 (Worker's Report) directly with insurer.

Q: Can I reopen my claim if condition worsens? A: Yes, file aggravation claim within 5 years of closure.

Related Topics

• Oregon Workers' Comp Benefits
• Oregon Denied Claims
• Oregon Workers' Compensation Overview

Last updated: January 5, 2026