Court Clarifies Basis for Penalty After Carrier's Unreasonable Notice of Closure

The Oregon Court of Appeals clarified that the penalty provided for in a former statute must be based on the total amount of compensation due a claimant at the time of a carrier’s unreasonable notice of closure. Case: Williams v. SAIF Corp., No. 175, 04/11/2018, published. Facts and procedural history: James L. Williams injured his right knee while at work in February 2011. His employer had workers’ compensation insurance coverage with SAIF. SAIF accepted liability for the injury and began paying benefits to Williams. The carrier closed Williams’ claim in August 2013...