Opinion ID: 1395083
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: ORS 656.807(2) is clear and unambiguous.

Text: ORS 656.807(2) provides: If the occupational disease results in death, a claim may be filed within 180 days after the date of the death; and the provisions of subsection (1) of this section do not limit the filing of a claim in fatal cases to less than 180 days from the date of death. Despite those clear and unambiguous words and despite the fact that the occupational disease result[ed] in [the] death of James Fossum, the dissent would hold that a claim may not be filed within 180 days after the date of death because, according to it, the provisions of subsection (1) limit the filing of a claim in fatal cases. [2] The effect of such a holding would be to make claims filed after death not only limited by the five-year provision of subsection (1), but also restricted by that subsection's 180 day limitation. The widow of Mr. Fossum had no claim to assert for widow's benefits until such time as her spouse died. Her claim arose upon his death. Her claim does not derive from any claim of the deceased worker, but is an independent claim granted by the legislature to her. ORS 656.807(2), in defining her right to a claim under the Occupational Disease Law, provides in clear and unambiguous terms that she may file that claim within 180 days of the death of her spouse. She did so.