Dan Schmelling
503-947-7585
The benefit consultants inform and educate people about the complex workers’ compensation system and the processes that affect benefits. The Benefit Consultation Unit consists of benefit consultants with varying years of experience in Oregon workers’ compensation. The benefit consultants respond to inquires from injured workers, insurers, employers, medical providers, attorneys, legislators, and other governmental agencies. We resolve misunderstandings or complaints that might otherwise result in unnecessary sanctions or litigation and provide education and information on issues relating to injured workers’ benefits. We are also the primary recipient of incoming fraud complaints.
The unit is the main workers’ compensation resource for the public. We respond to approximately 30,000 written and telephone inquires annually. We deal with issues ranging from the basic, “How do I file a claim?” to “Where is something specific in the laws, rules or bulletins?” to more complex workers’ compensation issues including interpreting workers’ compensation laws and rules and how they affect vocational, medical, disability, and compensation benefits; appeal processes; alleged fraud or system abuse; and the irregularities of claims processing.
Injured workers may call 1-800-452-0288, arrange an in-office consultation Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, or send an e-mail to workcomp.questions@state.or.us Inquiries may relate to any area in the workers’ compensation laws, rules, or bulletins. Benefit consultants resolve issues informally by phone or letter and, in some instances, formally by issuing an order.
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