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Oregon law

Workers' Compensation Laws in Oregon.

Oregon requires all employers with 1 or more employees (including part-time and seasonal) to carry workers' compensation insurance. Oregon is unique in having SAIF Corporation, a state-chartered workers' compensation insurer that competes with private carriers. Temporary total disability benefits are 66 2/3% of the worker's average weekly wage with no maximum duration limit. Oregon has a robust vocational rehabilitation program and allows workers to choose their own attending physician.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

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State law

Statute of Limitations

90-day employer notice; 1-year claim deadlineORS §§ 656.265, 656.273

Employees must provide written notice to their employer within 90 days of the injury (or within 90 days of becoming aware of an occupational disease). Claims must be filed within 1 year of the injury or the date the worker became disabled, whichever is later. Occupational disease claims must be filed within 1 year of disablement or death.

State law

Key Oregon Statutes

Employer Coverage RequirementORS § 656.017

All employers with 1 or more workers (including part-time and seasonal) must provide workers' compensation coverage. Exemptions include sole proprietors with no employees, certain domestic workers, and casual labor. Employers may self-insure with state approval or purchase insurance from SAIF Corporation or a private carrier.

SAIF CorporationORS § 656.752

SAIF (State Accident Insurance Fund) Corporation is Oregon's state-chartered workers' compensation insurance company. It is not a state agency but operates as a public corporation that competes with private insurers. SAIF is the insurer of last resort — it must accept all employers that apply.

Temporary Total Disability BenefitsORS § 656.210

TTD benefits are 66 2/3% of the worker's average weekly wage, with a maximum of $1,400.84/week and a minimum of $50/week or actual wage if less (July 2025–June 2026). There is no maximum duration for TTD benefits — they continue until the worker is medically stationary or returns to work.

Worker's Choice of PhysicianORS § 656.245

Injured workers have the right to choose their own attending physician. The employer/insurer cannot direct the worker to a specific doctor. The attending physician manages the worker's treatment and determines work capacity.

Vocational RehabilitationORS § 656.340

Workers who cannot return to regular employment due to their injury are eligible for vocational assistance — including retraining, job placement, and up to 16 months of training benefits at the TTD rate.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Oregon.