Essential Steps for Federal Employees Hurt on the Job
If you’re a government employee and get injured while working, you might qualify for federal workers’ compensation. Unlike state programs, federal employees receive these benefits through the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA).
Generally, workers’ compensation laws are state-based in the U.S. However, FECA ensures that most government employees have access to workers’ comp on a national level. Your eligibility is based on your federal employment status and the type of injury you’ve sustained, not whether you’re a part-time, full-time, or seasonal worker.
### First Steps When Injured at Work
If you get injured at work, the initial shock might leave you unsure about what to do next. Whether you’ve suffered a sudden injury or developed a condition over time, here’s what you should do before filing a federal workers’ compensation claim.
#### Report to Your Supervisor
First, report any work-related injury to your supervisor, whether it happened suddenly or developed over time. It doesn’t matter if the injury occurred on-site or off-site, as long as it happened while you were on duty. This includes immediate injuries, occupational diseases caused by hazardous work conditions, and any damage to prosthetic devices like artificial limbs or braces.
#### Obtain Medical Care
Informing your supervisor is crucial because you’ll need their authorization to seek medical treatment. They can give this by completing Form CA-16, which allows you to get treatment from private doctors or federal medical officers.
#### File Written Notice
Before submitting your federal workers’ compensation claim, consult with an Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) doctor to discuss your diagnosis. The specific form you need depends on the nature of your injury or illness, and getting this right is essential for a smooth process. These forms are available through your employing agency.
Remember, while workers’ compensation laws are primarily managed by individual states, it’s essential to adhere to your state’s deadlines for submitting these forms.
##### OWCP CA-1 Form
If an OWCP doctor confirms you have a traumatic injury, you’ll need Form CA-1, “Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation.” Fill out and submit this form to your workplace within 30 days of the injury.
##### OWCP CA-2 Form
For occupational diseases or illnesses, use Form CA-2, “Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation.” This covers conditions like skin cancer, asbestosis, or eczema, all linked to your work environment.
Attached to both CA-1 and CA-2 forms, you’ll find a “Receipt of Notice of Injury.” Your supervisor must fill this out and return it to you, which will help you keep track of your claim’s progress and serve as proof that you filed your forms on time.
### Submitting a Claim for Workers’ Compensation
Next, you can submit a claim for Continuation of Pay (COP), leave, or wage loss compensation. For traumatic injuries causing disability, you can claim COP for up to 45 calendar days. Submit this claim within 30 days of your injury, accompanied by medical evidence within 10 days. If your disability extends beyond 45 days, you can take leave or fill out Form CA-7 for workers’ compensation. This form also applies if you’ve developed an occupational illness and should be filled out as soon as you realize you can’t work due to your injury.
### How to File a Claim
Once you know the steps, get the necessary forms from your employing agency or the U.S. Department of Labor. Submit them through the workplace where the injury occurred, even if you no longer work there.
### Benefits of Federal Workers’ Compensation
Under FECA, and assuming your forms are filled out correctly, you’re eligible for:
– Paid medical treatment and expenses
– Paid time off for recovery
– Compensation for permanent disability
– Vocational rehabilitation to overcome barriers to employment
– Death benefits
### Consult Professional OWCP Doctors
Even if you’re familiar with the process, it’s wise to consult professional OWCP doctors. Through services like Fed Help, you can connect with experienced medical professionals who specialize in federal workers’ compensation. These doctors can diagnose your injury and guide you through the sometimes complicated process of filing a claim.
