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Biggest Mistakes That Delay SSDI Claims & How to Avoid Them

Biggest Mistakes That Delay SSDI Claims & How to Avoid Them

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Sep 30, 2026

If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it's in your best interest to do everything in your power to avoid any delays....

What to do When Waiting for a SSDI Decision

What to do When Waiting for a SSDI Decision

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Sep 21, 2026

Waiting for a decision on your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim can be one of the most stressful parts of an already difficult...

Injured While Working as a Caregiver? 6 Crucial Steps to Take

Injured While Working as a Caregiver? 6 Crucial Steps to Take

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jul 15, 2026

Caregivers spend their days looking after the health and safety of others, whether in a hospital, a private home, or a client's residence. It's...

How to Get Workers’ Comp After a Crush Injury in Oregon

How to Get Workers’ Comp After a Crush Injury in Oregon

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 18, 2026

A crush injury at work can happen suddenly. One moment you are doing your job, the next you are dealing with severe pain, an uncertain medical...

How Expert Witnesses Help Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Oregon

How Expert Witnesses Help Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Oregon

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 26, 2026

The term "expert witness" may bring to mind images from Hollywood courtroom dramas, with an attorney calling a witness to the stand to deliver a...

6 Steps to Take After a Forklift Injury at Work

6 Steps to Take After a Forklift Injury at Work

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 22, 2026

If you’ve ever operated a forklift or worked in an environment where forklifts were being operated, you know just how dangerous they can be....

How To Prove Repetitive Strain Injury Is Work-Related

How To Prove Repetitive Strain Injury Is Work-Related

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Mar 27, 2026

Repetitive strain injuries often build quietly. What starts as mild discomfort can turn into ongoing pain after weeks, months, or even years of...

How Long do Workers’ Comp Cases Take to Settle in Oregon?

How Long do Workers’ Comp Cases Take to Settle in Oregon?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Dec 12, 2025

To understand how long workers’ comp settlements take in Oregon, you first need to understand the difference between settlements and claim closures....

Can You Work While on Workers’ Compensation in Oregon?

Can You Work While on Workers’ Compensation in Oregon?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Dec 3, 2025

Suffering a workplace accident and going through the process of receiving workers’ compensation can be overwhelming. After securing your benefits,...

Next Steps When Workers’ Comp Gets Denied in Oregon

Next Steps When Workers’ Comp Gets Denied in Oregon

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Oct 14, 2025

Was your workers’ comp claim denied in Oregon? If so, you’re not alone.  There are ways to fight back and get the compensation you deserve. We often...

What You Should Know About Common Occupational Diseases

What You Should Know About Common Occupational Diseases

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Aug 29, 2025

Imagine this scenario: you show up to your job, day in and day out, for years. But lately, something feels off. Maybe your joints ache long after...

How to Get Fair Compensation for a Neck Injury At Work

How to Get Fair Compensation for a Neck Injury At Work

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Aug 8, 2025

Ranging from mild strains to serious spinal damage, neck injuries affect workers across a range of industries. They can be among the most serious...

9 Common Defenses Against Workers’ Compensation Claims

9 Common Defenses Against Workers’ Compensation Claims

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jul 11, 2025

Every year, thousands of workers across the U.S. suffer injuries on the job. Unfortunately, many of them struggle to get the compensation they’re...

Injured Off the Clock: Can You Still Get Worker’s Comp?

Injured Off the Clock: Can You Still Get Worker’s Comp?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 16, 2025

Every morning, you commute to your workplace and clock in. When your shift is over, you clock out and head home. Most of the time, this routine is...

Preventing Common Ergonomic Injuries In The Workplace

Preventing Common Ergonomic Injuries In The Workplace

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Apr 29, 2025

In 1991, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) faced a growing problem: employees performing data entry were suffering repetitive strain...

Hidden Dangers of Slip and Fall Workplace Accidents in Oregon

Hidden Dangers of Slip and Fall Workplace Accidents in Oregon

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Apr 14, 2025

Slip and fall accidents happen in workplaces across Oregon and the U.S. daily. While some lead to nothing more than a few bumps and scrapes, others...

Understanding Your Rights After a Snow-Related Workplace Injury

Understanding Your Rights After a Snow-Related Workplace Injury

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Mar 18, 2025

Winter makes everything a little harder. From getting out of bed on a cold morning to shoveling the driveway, and driving in the snow, life isn’t...

Workers Comp: Should Your Employer Pay Your Medical Bills?

Workers Comp: Should Your Employer Pay Your Medical Bills?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Feb 13, 2025

Imagine this: you’re injured on the job doing what’s expected of you. You receive the needed medical care, but when you ask about workers’...

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover a Chiropractor? [Guide]

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover a Chiropractor? [Guide]

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jan 22, 2025

If you’ve suffered a work injury, you may ask yourself, ”Does workers’ comp cover a chiropractor?”  For many workers dealing with things like back...

What to do if You Get a Spine Injury at Work

What to do if You Get a Spine Injury at Work

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Nov 21, 2024

Whether it affects your health, income, or day-to-day life, suffering a spine injury at work can be life-altering.  Taking the right steps after a...

How to Calculate Average Weekly Earnings for Workers’ Comp

How to Calculate Average Weekly Earnings for Workers’ Comp

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Oct 23, 2024

Worker’s compensation is critical to ensuring you receive the support you need after a workplace injury or illness.  The amount of compensation you...

Who Pays Medical Bills After an Oregon Workplace Injury

Who Pays Medical Bills After an Oregon Workplace Injury

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Sep 12, 2024

In Oregon, workers’ compensation insurance providers and self-insured employers are the ones who pay for medical bills after workplace injuries,...

What To Do After You Get a Work Injury in Oregon

What To Do After You Get a Work Injury in Oregon

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Aug 13, 2024

Workplace injuries can be extremely painful physically, emotionally, and financially. They can also cause significant disruptions in your life and...

How Long After a Workers Comp Settlement Do You Get Paid

How Long After a Workers Comp Settlement Do You Get Paid

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Aug 7, 2024

Workers’ comp benefits can help you cope with the financial hardship of a work injury.  But the system isn’t always fair, and your employer’s...

What To Do if You Get a Shoulder Injury at Work [Guide]

What To Do if You Get a Shoulder Injury at Work [Guide]

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 28, 2024

Perhaps unsurprisingly, shoulder injuries are among the most common workplace injuries we see. They can occur in just about any industry and impact...

Tips to Prevent Falls in the Workplace | RGMR

Tips to Prevent Falls in the Workplace | RGMR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Mar 22, 2024

Any type of work injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. That’s why workers’ compensation insurance is essential,...

Industries with the Most Workers’ Compensation Claims in Oregon

Industries with the Most Workers’ Compensation Claims in Oregon

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Feb 2, 2024

Work-related injuries are all too common. In fact, there are about 25,000 accepted disabling workers’ compensation claims in Oregon each year....

Handling Workers’ Comp Claims for Multiple Injuries

Handling Workers’ Comp Claims for Multiple Injuries

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jan 23, 2024

If you sustain a work-related injury, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to help you cope with your hardship. There are a...

What You Need to Know About Workers’ Comp Vocational Benefits

What You Need to Know About Workers’ Comp Vocational Benefits

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Dec 8, 2023

In many cases, a workplace injury or illness can cause physical, psychological, and financial hardship. Workers’ comp benefits often include...

Understanding How Medical Evaluations Impact Workers’ Comp

Understanding How Medical Evaluations Impact Workers’ Comp

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Dec 7, 2023

If you sustain an injury or develop a medical condition as a result of your work, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim through...

Work Injury Claims Without Employer’s Comp Insurance

Work Injury Claims Without Employer’s Comp Insurance

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Oct 5, 2023

In Oregon, workers’ compensation law requires employers who have one or more employee(s) to carry workers’ comp insurance or be self-insured....

The Impact of Preexisting Conditions on Workers’ Comp Claims  | RGMR

The Impact of Preexisting Conditions on Workers’ Comp Claims | RGMR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Sep 18, 2023

Understanding your rights as an injured worker is essential to getting the financial compensation you deserve. Workers' compensation law is...

How Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Lost Wages in Oregon?

How Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Lost Wages in Oregon?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Aug 21, 2023

In addition to personal and physical hardships and medical costs resulting from occupational injuries, many workers are also unable to go to work...

Best Tips to Prepare for Your Workers’ Compensation Hearing

Best Tips to Prepare for Your Workers’ Compensation Hearing

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jul 28, 2023

In almost every state in the US, including Oregon, employers are required to purchase and maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This...

What to Do if Your Work Injury is Caused by a Third Party?

What to Do if Your Work Injury is Caused by a Third Party?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 9, 2023

If you’re injured on the job, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ comp insurance exists in Oregon and other states to...

How to File Workers’ Compensation After a Car Accident?

How to File Workers’ Compensation After a Car Accident?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 16, 2023

There are about 5.5 million car crash injuries in the United States every year. People who drive as part of their jobs are at an increased risk of...

Car Accident On the Job in OR? You May Get Workers’ Comp

Car Accident On the Job in OR? You May Get Workers’ Comp

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Mar 29, 2023

Millions of people drive or spend time around vehicles as part of their jobs. They include delivery and truck drivers, first responders,...

How to Check the Progress of Your Workers’ Comp Claim in OR

How to Check the Progress of Your Workers’ Comp Claim in OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Mar 21, 2023

A workplace injury can have a serious impact on your emotional, physical, and financial well-being. That’s why workers’ compensation exists in...

What Happens To Medical Bills When Workers Comp Is Denied?

What Happens To Medical Bills When Workers Comp Is Denied?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Feb 13, 2023

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury or illness that requires expensive or long-term medical treatment, you’re probably thinking about the...

7 Most Common Workers’ Comp Injuries & How to Prevent Them

7 Most Common Workers’ Comp Injuries & How to Prevent Them

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jan 12, 2023

Workplace injuries can happen to anyone, at any time, and in any industry. According to the US Department of Labor, worker injuries and illnesses...

Permanent vs. Temporary Disability Must-Know Differences

Permanent vs. Temporary Disability Must-Know Differences

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jul 17, 2022

In Oregon, individuals with disabilities as a result of an injury at work are often eligible to receive financial benefits if their disability...

6 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filing Workers’ Comp Claims

6 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filing Workers’ Comp Claims

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 9, 2022

If you get injured on the job or develop an illness due to your working conditions or environment, it can feel like everything is crumbling around...

How To Prepare For a Workers’ Compensation Doctor Evaluation

How To Prepare For a Workers’ Compensation Doctor Evaluation

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 3, 2022

If you have filed a workers’ compensation claim after you’ve sustained a work-related injury or illness, you have the right to see your regular...

What is SAIF (State Accident Insurance Fund) – Oregon Guide

What is SAIF (State Accident Insurance Fund) – Oregon Guide

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Apr 1, 2022

Oregon’s State Action Insurance Fund (SAIF) is a state-chartered, not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance carrier serving Oregon’s workers...

What is the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board? 

What is the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board? 

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Mar 3, 2022

If you work in Oregon and have recently sustained an on-the-job injury, you have rights! You’re entitled to benefits to help you pay your bills and...

How to Advocate For Yourself With Workers’ Comp Doctors

How to Advocate For Yourself With Workers’ Comp Doctors

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jan 31, 2022

Employees who get hurt at work are entitled to compensation. If you’ve sustained an injury while on the job, your employer should help pay for the...

Workers Comp Claims Process In Oregon: A Complete Guide

Workers Comp Claims Process In Oregon: A Complete Guide

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Dec 29, 2021

Are you suffering from a work-related injury or illness? Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may be entitled to financial benefits....

5 Tips To Safely Return Back to Work After A Work Injury

5 Tips To Safely Return Back to Work After A Work Injury

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Dec 1, 2021

The purpose of workers’ compensation is to ensure injured employees receive the financial and medical assistance they need to heal. Following an...

6 Simple Ways to Prevent Back Pain At Work

6 Simple Ways to Prevent Back Pain At Work

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Oct 1, 2021

Are you suffering from back pain caused or exacerbated due to your work? You’re not alone. Back pain is extremely common. In fact, up to 80% of...

FMLA & Worker’s Compensation Benefits: What You Should Know

FMLA & Worker’s Compensation Benefits: What You Should Know

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Sep 8, 2021

Both the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and workers’ compensation benefits are designed to protect workers who are injured or ill. While these...

What to Look for In a Worker’s Compensation Attorney

What to Look for In a Worker’s Compensation Attorney

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Aug 2, 2021

Getting injured on the job represents a serious hardship. Not only do you have to suffer the physical pain of your injury, but work-related injuries...

Common Accidents That Should not be Denied Workers’ Compensation

Common Accidents That Should not be Denied Workers’ Compensation

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 30, 2021

There are lots of people out there who never file for worker’s compensation, even though they qualify. That’s...

Common Workplace Threats to Nurses & Healthcare Workers

Common Workplace Threats to Nurses & Healthcare Workers

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 20, 2021

Nurses and other healthcare workers face a number of serious occupational health and safety hazards. In fact, according to an OSHA report from 2015,...

Can you get Worker’s Compensation and Social Security?

Can you get Worker’s Compensation and Social Security?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Apr 22, 2021

If you have been injured or become disabled as a result of the work you do, you’re likely dealing with physical, emotional, and financial hardship...

What You Should Know About Social Security Disability Insurance

What You Should Know About Social Security Disability Insurance

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Apr 5, 2021

  If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you may qualify for financial assistance through the Social Security Administration...

Workers Compensation is Important for you

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 24, 2016

You work hard to achieve your career goals. You may even have moved, sacrificed other desires, and dedicated long hours to your job in order to get...

Can You Be Fired if You’re Out on Workers’ Compensation?

Can You Be Fired if You’re Out on Workers’ Compensation?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Feb 5, 2016

Many people worry that filing a workers’ compensation claim might put their job at risk.  It’s an understandable fear.  After all, the last thing...

What You Should Know About Social Security Disability Insurance

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jan 25, 2016

The Social Security Administration has two main benefit areas for U.S. citizens who qualify: Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security...

Wrongful Death Claims in Oregon: Answers to 5 Common Questions

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jan 25, 2016

Nothing feels worse than losing a loved one. The death of a beloved friend or family member causes immense amounts of grief and pain when it occurs...

Workers’ Comp and Retirement: How Disability Payments May Affect Your Other Benefits

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Dec 9, 2015

If you have continued working for many years despite an injury, the day of your retirement could not come soon enough. But remember, just because...

Common Accidents that should not be Denied Workers’ Compensation

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Oct 5, 2015

No matter how hard we try to avoid them, accidents happen. While most accidents are benign, causing little more than bumps and bruises, some are...

Is Obesity an Occupational Disease Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Portland, OR?

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jul 17, 2015

Obesity continues to rapidly increase in the United States. Statistics estimate that more than two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and...

Common Injuries Around the Workplace

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jul 9, 2015

Whether you work in an office or on a construction site, the workplace can be dangerous. While each job possesses inherent risks, you have the right...

Prevent Back Pain in the Workplace — Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Apr 23, 2015

If you’re like many employees in Oregon, you can’t wait to end your shift at work. For many this is because you are happy to go home to your family,...

Why You Should Stretch Before Your Shift in Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Apr 15, 2015

Workplace injuries can strike at almost any moment. You probably take safety precautions whether you work for the City of Portland, ConAgra in...

Common Office Hazards in Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Oct 28, 2014

When you work in an office, your job seems like the safest occupation you could have. You sit in a chair, sort through paperwork, and type. Where’s...

Personal Injury: Know Your Rights in Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Oct 28, 2014

If you are a victim of personal injury, you might want to file a lawsuit. After all, you deserve compensation for sustaining injuries through no...

Work Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Sep 25, 2014

Many workers’ compensation claims for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are denied. But, you can request a hearing and win a Carpal Tunnel claim. To win, you...

Portland, OR’s Personal Injury Attorneys

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 25, 2014

Anyone who has endured a catastrophic injury knows this truth: life can change in an instant. When you sustain a personal injury, your life may...

Reopen Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 18, 2014

Is your claim closed? Have you received a Notice of Closure? Even after your “Notice of Closure,” you still have important rights. First, if your...

Returning to Work After an Injury — Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Jun 14, 2014

Work injuries can change your life in many ways—your emotional and physical health may be impacted for the worse; you may even have a permanent...

What to Look for in a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 30, 2014

If you have been injured at work, you might not have any idea how to find a good workers’ compensation attorney. Not every lawyer will treat your...

When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 30, 2014

Oregon Workers’ Compensation laws were created to ensure that employees receive the benefits they are entitled to in case of an on-the-job injury....

Workers’ Compensation Claim Denied Preexisting Condition

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | May 15, 2014

Your Oregon Workers’ Compensation claim may be denied for different reasons. Often, SAIF and other insurance companies may say your work injury has...

Denied Worker’s Compensation Claim in Portland, OR

by Michael Gilbertson | Founding Partner & Attorney | Apr 22, 2014

We at Ransom and Gilbertson are often called about denied Workers’ Compensation Claims. Many of the injured workers say: “But, I was injured on the...

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