Federal Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Augusta

Were you hurt on the job while working for the federal government? If so, you have the right to pursue federal workers’ compensation. But the process can be confusing, and mistakes can cost you the benefits you’re entitled to receive. 

At John Foy & Associates, we know how frustrating and isolating it can feel when you’re hurt, but we’re here to help. As your federal workers’ compensation lawyer in Augusta, you can trust us to help you get access to the benefits you deserve under the law. 

We have decades of experience representing people as their Augusta workers’ compensation lawyer. With over 350 years of combined experience, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in compensation. We’re here to do the same for you. 

Federal Workers’ Compensation vs. State Workers’ Comp in Georgia

Unlike other types of employees in Georgia, federal employees are not covered under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act. 

Instead, they are protected by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which is administered through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

This includes employees of the following:

• The U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• The Department of Defense (DOD)
• The Social Security Administration (SSA)
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• TSA and other federal agencies

FECA provides benefits for work-related injuries or occupational diseases, but it operates under its own rules and procedures, which differ significantly from state-level systems. An Augusta personal injury lawyer with experience handling workers’ comp cases will understand the differences and how they might affect your case. 

What Injuries and Conditions Are Covered?

FECA covers any injury that arises in the course of federal employment. These are examples of injuries federal employees might sustain:

• Traumatic injuries from single incidents  
• Occupational diseases that develop over time  
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions caused by federal job duties
• Psychological injuries stemming from workplace stress or traumatic events  

To be eligible for benefits, your injury must be directly related to your job duties. Your Augusta USPS workers’ compensation claims lawyer can take on the responsibility of showing that your injuries were not something that occurred off the clock or during a personal activity.  

Time Limits and Filing Requirements

FECA has strict deadlines for workers’ compensation cases, and missing them can jeopardize your right to benefits. Here are three main deadlines in workers’ comp cases:

• Notice of injury (Form CA-1 or CA-2): This must be submitted within 30 days of the injury or becoming aware of a work-related illness.
• Claim for compensation (Form CA-7): This should be filed promptly after wage loss begins, though it should not be filed any later than three years from the date of injury or the date you first knew the condition was work-related.
• Recurrence of disability (Form CA-2a): This is often required when a previously accepted injury leads to renewed time off work.

Common Pitfalls in the Federal Claims Process

Filing a federal workers’ compensation claim isn’t always straightforward. Here are some examples of common issues people face when filing workers’ comp cases:

• Incomplete medical documentation: OWCP requires clear medical evidence linking your condition directly to your job duties. 
• Wrong forms or codes: Using the wrong form for your type of injury, meaning traumatic versus occupational, can cause major delays.
• Delayed reporting: Many claims are denied or questioned because of delays in notifying a supervisor or filing paperwork. 
• Hostile work environments: Some employees report retaliation or pressure not to file, especially in high-demand agencies. 

Even valid claims can be denied if they’re not properly documented or if deadlines are missed.

What Happens if Your Claim Is Denied?

If OWCP denies your claim, you have the right to appeal through several layers of review:

• Request for reconsideration
• Hearing before the Branch of Hearings and Review
• Review by the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB)

Each stage has specific deadlines and evidence requirements, so it’s important to reach out to a federal workers’ compensation attorney in Augusta as soon as possible. After all, a strong legal strategy is often necessary to overturn a denial.

Call Our Federal Workers’ Compensation Law Firm in Augusta for More Information About What We Can Do for You 

If you’re a federal employee who was hurt on the job in Augusta, you’re likely overwhelmed and frustrated. It’s not uncommon to find yourself looking for answers. Between the paperwork, the deadlines, and the pressure to get everything right, the legal process can feel like a lot at once. 

Furthermore, even innocent mistakes can cost you certain benefits as the victim of a workers’ comp case. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve helped numerous injured workers like you, and we’re proud to stand with the public servants who keep our federal agencies running. 

You shouldn’t have to go through this process alone, and help starts when you give us a call. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin guiding you through the next steps and fighting for the benefits you’re entitled to as a personal injury victim.