Notice Of Closure and Reopening Closed Workers’ Comp Claims
From Portland, OR to Vancouver, WA and the Surrounding Areas
A Closed Claim Doesn’t Mean Your Case Is Over
If your doctor has determined that your injury is medically stable and your condition will not improve with further treatment, then your workers’ compensation claim may be closed.
At this time, you will receive a Notice of Closure – a legal document that outlines the details of the temporary disability you have received up to this point, and how much permanent disability compensation you’re entitled to going forward.
A closed claim doesn’t mean your case is over. Although it signifies the end of an active period, you can fight to appeal the closure and continue to get the benefits you deserve or reopen the claim at a later time if your injury returns. The expert attorneys at RGMR have the knowledge and experience to represent you and fight for your rights.
What to Do If Your Claim Has Been Closed
If You’ve Received a Notice of Closure…
A Notice of Closure is not the end of the road. If you’ve received a notice closing your claim and ending your temporary benefits, don’t give up hope.
If you’re still suffering from your work-related injury, you have the right to continued compensation.
Within 60 days following an unfair closure, you can request that the Workers’ Compensation Division reconsider the decision.
RGMR can help you navigate the process of appealing your claim and fight to ensure you get the financial assistance you’re entitled to.
If Your Condition Returns or Worsens…
Workplace injuries can last a lifetime. Even with medical treatment, your condition can fail to improve, worsen over time, or return after years of stability. Many common workplace injuries can get worse or return after recovery, including head trauma, spinal injuries, organ damage, sight or hearing loss, neck injuries, and more.
Fortunately, the legal system makes it possible to reopen a previously closed claim so you can secure additional benefits. We can help you reopen your claim in one of two ways:
- An aggravation claim can be filed with the help of your physician if the accepted injury in your claim has worsened.
2. A new or consequential claim may be filed if you develop a new health condition caused by the initial injury.
Requirements for Appealing or Reopening a Closed Claim
If you disagree with the decision to close your claim, you have the legal right to appeal the decision by requesting reconsideration from the Workers’ Compensation Division.
The law dictates that, once you receive a Notice of Closure, you must request reconsideration within 60 days after the mailing date on your notice.
If your case was closed in the past but your injury has returned or worsened over time, you are legally eligible to reopen the case through an aggravation claim for five years after it has closed for a disabling claim, or five years after the initial injury for a non-disabling claim.
In order to do this, you’ll need to work with your physician to fill out form 827. Your doctor will also need to document details of your worsening condition.
We’re Committed to Getting You the Best Outcome
Receiving an unfair Notice of Closure can make you feel like the system is against you. But you don’t have to give up. With competent, knowledgeable legal representation, you’ll have a significantly greater chance of successfully appealing a wrongful closure or reopening your case.
At RGMR, we have decades of experience representing injured workers in Portland, Vancouver, and the surrounding areas.
We understand the workers’ compensation process inside and out and we have a proven track record of winning.
We know how difficult, frustrating, and lonely the process can be. That’s why we take the time to truly understand your needs and concerns so that we can advocate for you and get you the benefits you’re entitled to.
We approach each case with compassion and tenacity, and we won’t charge you anything unless we win your case.
Areas We Serve
- Hillsboro
- North Portland
- Gresham
- Tigard
- Salem
- Milwaukie
- Downtown Portland
- Tualatin
- Beaverton
- McMinnville
- Southeast Portland
- And many more!
Let Us Fight For You
If you’re suffering from a workplace injury or illness and you’ve received a Notice of Closure, we want to hear from you. The experienced attorneys at Ransom, Gilberston, Martin, & Ratliff, LLP are dedicated to helping workers in Oregon and Washington get the compensation they deserve.
We genuinely care about you and are ready to learn about your situation, fight for your legal rights, and help you build the strongest case possible.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
We take on cases of any size and scope and we never back down.
Tell us about your case.