Understanding the Process of Filing a Federal Workers’ Compensation Claim

Understanding the Federal Workers’ Comp Filing Procedure

So, you’ve been injured at work. It can be tempting to simply get medical care and return to the job as soon as possible. However, federal employees are often entitled to compensation for injuries sustained on the job. Unfortunately, the complicated federal workers’ comp filing procedure gives many people pause. The last thing they want to do when dealing with an injury is to jump through legal hopes. At Aumiller Lomax, we’re here to encourage you to pursue your claims. Our team will help you navigate the process and alleviate some of your stress. We have experience with cases nationwide, and our attorneys will ensure you’re taking the right steps toward compensation. Here’s what you need to know about the federal workers’ compensation claim process.

Initialisms to Know

First, let’s discuss some common initialisms you’ll see as you start the claims process. Get familiar with these two concepts:

• FECA—The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act protects federal workers who have been harmed on the job. This law ensures you can receive medical care, rehabilitation support, and financial assistance as you recover from your injury.
• OWCP—The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs administers Federal Workers’ Compensation for injured federal employees. It works toward timely and accurate benefit delivery, promotes early return to work, and helps maintain the well-being of federal workers.

The Process for Filing Federal Workers’ Injury Claims

This process for filing a claim is often complicated, and an experienced legal professional can best help you understand your courses of action. Let’s take a deeper look at the steps to file federal workers’ comp:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention—Your health should be your top priority. Before anything else, get the medical care you need for your injury. Inform your healthcare provider that your injury is work-related, as this will be important when you file your claim.
2. Notify Your Employer—As soon as you’re able, contact your supervisor and let them know about the accident and injury. Details such as the date, time, and how the injury occurred will need to be documented officially.
3. Fill Out Forms—Depending on your condition, you’ll need to fill out specific forms. Talk to our attorneys about which documents are relevant to you.
4. File Your Claim—Timely filing is critical. In most cases, you have 30 days from the date of the injury or the date you learned of your illness to submit your paperwork to the OWCP.
5. Await Acceptance—Once you’ve filed your claim, the OWCP will review the submission. They may accept the claim, request additional information, or deny it. During this period, keep track of your treatment and any changes in your condition.

What Benefits Can You Anticipate?

Before initiating a federal workers’ compensation claim, it’s a good idea to understand what types of benefits you may expect. Keep in mind that every case is different, and some of our clients are entitled to different forms of compensation than others. In general, you may be eligible for the following benefits:

Medical Benefits

Under FECA, all necessary medical expenses related to your injury or illness should be covered. This includes hospital visits, medications, surgeries, and any required medical devices.

Disability Benefits

Depending on your condition, you may be eligible for disability benefits. These benefits are categorized based on whether your disability is partial or total and temporary or permanent. Compensation is usually determined as a percentage of your pay up to a certain limit and varies based on your specific circumstances. Here’s an overview of the types of disability:

• Temporary Total Disability—If you’re unable to work at all, but your condition is expected to improve, you’ll receive benefits compensating for lost wages during this period.
• Permanent Total Disability—In cases where the injury or illness permanently prevents any form of employment, long-term benefits may be provided.

Wage Loss Compensation

Many workplace injuries are severe enough that the employee cannot return to work right away. In this case, you may be eligible for wage loss compensation. If you’re able to return to work but cannot earn the same wage as before your injury, you may receive compensation to make up for the loss in earning capacity as well.

Vocational Rehabilitation

When workers cannot return to their previous jobs due to the severity of their injuries, they may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation. These programs are offered to assist in training for a new profession.

Connect With Experienced Legal Counsel

If you’re concerned about the process for filing a federal worker injury claim, know that there are plenty of resources at your disposal. No matter where you are in the U.S., Aumiller Lomax would be glad to consult with you. We hold decades of experience in these matters, and our attorneys will guide you through the complex process. Contact us today to begin discussing your case.