OAR 438-015-0005: Definitions

In addition to the definitions set forth in OAR 438-005-0040: (1) “Approved fee” means an attorney fee paid out of a claimant’s compensation. (2) “Assessed fee” means an attorney fee paid to a claimant’s attorney by an insurer or self-insured employer in addition to compensation paid to a claimant. (3) “Attorney” means a member of the Oregon State Bar. (4) “Attorney fee” means payment for legal services performed on behalf and at the request of a claimant under ORS Chapter 656. (5)“Client paid fee” means an attorney fee paid by an insurer or self-insured employer to its attorney. (6) “Compensation” means all benefits, including medical services, provided for a compensable injury to a subject worker or the beneficiaries of a subject worker pursuant to ORS Chapter 656. (7) “Cost bill” means an itemized statement from the claimant of the amount of expenses and costs for records, expert opinions, and witness fees incurred as a result of the litigation involving a claim denial under ORS 656.386(1). (8) “Denied claim” means a claim for compensation which an insurer or self-insured employer refuses to pay on the express ground that the injury or condition for which compensation is claimed is not compensable or otherwise does not give rise to an entitlement to any compensation or a claim under ORS 656.386(1)(b)(B), (C) or (D) to which the insurer or self-insured employer does not timely respond. (9) “Expenses and costs” reimbursable under ORS 656.386(2) mean reasonable expenses and costs incurred by the claimant for things and services reasonably necessary to pursue a matter, but do not include attorney fees. Examples of expenses and costs referred to include, but are not limited to, costs of records, expert witness opinions, witness fees and mileage paid to execute a subpoena and costs associated with travel.