City of Portland v. Thomas

The City of Portland (City) petitions for review of an order of the Workers’ Compensation Board which awarded claimant benefits for injuries which he incurred while providing farrier services. City argues that the Board erred in holding that ORS 656.029,1 which governs the filing of declarations of independent contractor status, applies to municipalities and, therefore, erroneously deemed claimant to be an employe of City for purposes of the Workers’ Compensation Law. We agree, reverse and reinstate the denial.

The facts are undisputed. In 1979, claimant verbally contracted with City to…