Key Steps in Filing a Federal Workers’ Compensation Claim for Postal Employees

Navigating the federal workers’ compensation claim process can be challenging. Yet, if you’re a postal employee who has sustained injuries on the job, following this process is crucial to secure the benefits you’re entitled to. Learn more about the application steps of a federal workers’ compensation claim to help you move through the process quickly and smoothly.

Understand Federal Workers’ Compensation for USPS Employees

Federal workers’ compensation offers a safety net for postal employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. However, to successfully claim these benefits, you must understand the relevant laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to your case.

The Code of Federal Regulations and the USPS outline the procedural guidelines for filing a claim under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). The Division of Federal Employees’, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (DFELHWC) within the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) processes claims from Postal Service employees. The forms needed to file a claim can be found on the Department of Labor’s website. You should strongly consider using the OWCP electronic filing system known as ECOMP (https://www.ecomp.dol.gov/#/).

Determine Your Eligibility

The first step after experiencing a job-related injury as a postal worker is determining whether you qualify for federal workers’ compensation benefits. While the support system is comprehensive, not every injury automatically qualifies for compensation.

Eligibility Criteria

For an injury or illness to qualify for federal workers’ compensation benefits, it must result from performing job-related duties. This includes incidents that take place on the employer’s premises or while the employee is engaged in activities directly related to their job role, such as delivering mail or sorting packages.

Covered Injuries

The spectrum of injuries and illnesses covered by workers’ compensation is broad. Some of the most common categories include:

  • Back injuries
  • Sprains or ruptures of muscles, tendons, or ligaments
  • Fractures
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision loss
  • Work-related stress and mental health problems

Excluded Injuries

Certain scenarios are excluded from coverage under federal workers’ compensation, including injuries sustained:

  • While under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • While engaging in illegal activities
  • While committing a willful act of misconduct
  • As a result of one’s own horseplay or negligence

Know What Benefits are Available

Once you establish your eligibility, the next step is to understand the available benefits. Federal workers’ compensation offers financial support in several key areas designed to help you recover and return to work.

Medical Benefits

Medical benefits cover the cost of treating work-related injuries, including:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospitalization
  • Surgery
  • Prescription drugs
  • Other necessary medical expenses

You can choose any physician you wish. However, it is best if you can locate a doctor that is already signed up and familiar with the OWCP system. You should also note that chiropractors are generally not recognized as medical providers in the OWCP system, except for very limited circumstances.

Wage Replacement Benefits

If you’re unable to return to your duties immediately, wage replacement benefits offer financial support. This benefit substitutes a portion of your income lost due to the injury, with coverage typically ranging from 66 2/3 to 75 percent of your average weekly wage.

File Your Claim

Navigating the claim submission process is straightforward when you understand the steps involved:

  • Report the injury: A successful federal workers’ compensation claim begins immediately after the incident occurs. Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible to set the foundation for your claim and ensure your employer is aware of the incident.
  • Fill out the claim form: After reporting your injury, officially initiate the claim by filling out the necessary paperwork. This begins by registering and creating an account on the Department of Labor’s website. Once registered, you can access and complete the required forms through your Employee Dashboard.
  • Seek medical treatment: Consult an OWCP-approved healthcare provider as stipulated by the federal workers’ compensation program to begin treatment parallel to the administrative steps of your claim. Your employer should supply a list of approved providers for you to choose from.
  • Support your claim with documentation: Gather and submit all medical records related to your injury, witness statements regarding the circumstances surrounding your injury, and proof of employment to demonstrate that you were actively employed at the time of the injury.
  • File in a timely manner: Generally, the window for submitting a workers’ compensation claim is within 30 days from the date of the injury. Missing this critical deadline may jeopardize your ability to receive benefits. The sooner you file, the better.

Get Help Filing a Federal Workers’ Compensation Claim

At Aumiller Lomax, we know the federal workers’ compensation system is complex. That’s why we’re here to guide you and your employer through every step. Our dedicated team offers quality representation to federal workers across the country and stationed overseas. Let us help you initiate your claim with no upfront fees, ensuring you follow the proper filing protocol. To schedule your free consultation with a federal workers’ compensation lawyer, please call us at 856-751-0440 today. We promise to provide dedicated support tailored to your unique situation.