Workers may need to talk to a Roswell federal workers’ compensation lawyer to recover after a work-related injury or illness. The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides benefits such as medical care, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent impairments. Understanding the process and knowing your rights can help ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
John Foy & Associates, known across Georgia as “The Strong Arm,” is widely recognized for standing up for injured workers and helping them take action after a workplace accident. The firm takes an aggressive approach when dealing with insurance companies and government entities.
With a Roswell workers’ compensation lawyer by your side, you can better understand your rights and receive guidance through each step of the workers’ compensation process.
Understanding Federal Workers’ Compensation in Roswell
Federal workers’ compensation is a program that supports injured federal employees by helping them recover medical costs, replace lost wages, and cover other related expenses after a work-related injury or illness.
Unlike private workers’ comp plans, federal compensation is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).
Rights of Federal Workers
Federal employees are entitled to certain protections after a job injury. These include:
- The right to file a compensation claim without fear of retaliation
- Access to medical care, including physical therapy and prescription medication
- Payment for medical bills and travel expenses for treatment
- Weekly wage benefits if the injury prevents the employee from working
Federal employees may also qualify for partial disability, permanent disability benefits, or other forms of financial compensation if their injuries cause long-term or permanent impairments.
Agencies That Provide Federal Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Federal compensation laws cover employees from many government agencies. These include:
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Each agency works with the OWCP to ensure that eligible employees get the compensation benefits they need. A Roswell personal injury lawyer can explain whether you are entitled to federal or state workers’ compensation.
Differences Between Federal and State Workers’ Compensation
Federal workers’ compensation programs are different from state workers’ comp systems in several ways. Some of the key differences include:
- Oversight: Federal claims are managed by the Department of Labor. State claims go through individual state workers’ compensation boards.
- Coverage: Federal workers’ comp is for federal employees only. State systems apply to private-sector and state-level public employees.
- Appeals Process: Appeals for federal claims are handled by the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB), not state administrative judges.
In Georgia, for example, state workers’ compensation is handled through the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. However, if you are a federal employee in Roswell or nearby counties like Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett, your claim must go through the federal system.
Get the strong arm
Common Challenges in Federal Claims
Filing a federal workers’ compensation claim can be difficult, especially for injured workers dealing with pain, medical bills, or lost wages. Even though the program is meant to support federal employees, it often involves a long claims process that includes strict deadlines, detailed paperwork, and medical documentation requirements.
These are some of the more common problems that workers may encounter:
- Denied benefits because of missed deadlines or disputes about whether the injury was job-related
- Delayed claims due to incomplete forms or missing medical evidence
- Lack of access to necessary medical treatment, including physical therapy or prescription medication
- Pressure from supervisors or fear of disciplinary actions for reporting injuries
- Limited understanding of how to deal with insurance company tactics or third-party claims
Sometimes, federal employees must also deal with surveillance footage or employer investigations, which may feel invasive. A legal representative can help protect the worker’s rights throughout the entire process, including the appeals process if needed.
How a Lawyer May Support Your Federal Compensation Claim
There are many things a federal work injury lawyer looks for in a potential claim. But there are also ways to guide workers through each step of the claims process. This may include:
- Reviewing your employment history, job duties, and medical records to ensure your claim is supported
- Explaining what benefits you may qualify for, including partial disability, permanent disability benefits, or death benefits for a loved one
- Preparing you for any hearings or appeals, especially if your case goes before a judge or review board
Attorneys familiar with compensation laws may also help with legal actions involving negligent parties in third-party claims or personal injury lawsuits tied to the same event. In some cases, this may lead to a fair settlement or access to additional financial recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Federal Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you’re a federal employee who has suffered a work-related injury, it’s important to act quickly when filing a federal workers’ compensation claim. The law provides clear deadlines for injured workers, and missing them may lead to claim denial, even if your injury is valid.
Federal workers are generally required to report their injury to their employer as soon as possible.
- The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) recommends that injuries be reported immediately.
- Form CA-1 (for traumatic injuries) or Form CA-2 (for occupational illnesses) should be submitted within 30 days of the injury or the date the worker becomes aware of the condition.
For many workers, the effects of a job injury can take time to show. Even so, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) generally allows up to three years from the date of the injury, or from the date the worker first became aware of the job-related condition, to file a claim for compensation.
Consult a Roswell Federal Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at No Cost
If you need a Roswell USPS workers’ compensation claims lawyer or assistance with another type of federal workers’ compensation, consider consulting a lawyer experienced in federal cases.
Lawyers at John Foy & Associates offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation and provide guidance on the next steps. Legal assistance can be invaluable in ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.
Our legal team can review your records, help you understand your rights, and assist with gathering supporting evidence. This support may be especially helpful when dealing with complex injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or repetitive use injuries, which may require long-term care.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form