When you’re injured while working for the United States Postal Service, the path to recovery can be complicated by federal regulations and paperwork. Unlike employees of private companies, USPS workers must navigate a different system for workplace injuries.
At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, our legal team understands the federal workers’ compensation system and how it differs from state programs. Our Rome USPS workers’ compensation claims lawyers are ready to help you get the benefits you need after you’ve been injured.
You deserve the best, so don’t settle for less! Contact our Rome workers’ compensation lawyers for a free consultation.
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) System
As a USPS employee, your workplace injuries are covered under FECA rather than state workers’ compensation laws. This federal system has distinct rules and procedures that differ significantly from the Georgia system.
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, administers FECA claims rather than state agencies or private insurance companies. All paperwork, decisions, and appeals go through OWCP offices, creating a centralized but sometimes slower process.
If you encounter difficulties with your FECA claim, you may need the services of our Rome personal injury lawyers to cut through the red tape.
For a free legal consultation with a usps workers’ compensation claims lawyer serving Rome, call (404) 888-8888
Filing Your FECA Claim After a USPS Injury
First, report your injury to your supervisor as soon as possible using Form CA-1 for traumatic injuries (single incidents) or Form CA-2 for occupational diseases (conditions that develop over time). Your supervisor should provide these forms, but they’re also available online through the Department of Labor website.
Seek medical attention promptly, informing the healthcare provider that your injury is work-related. Ask the doctor to document the connection between your medical condition and your job duties at USPS. This medical evidence is crucial for establishing your claim.
Submit any requested documentation to OWCP promptly. Missing deadlines for providing medical evidence or responding to requests for information can result in claim denials or delayed benefits.
Rome USPS Workers’ Compensation Claims Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
FECA Benefits Available to Injured USPS Workers
The federal workers’ compensation system provides several benefits to help you recover and manage the financial impact of your workplace injury. Our Rome USPS workers’ compensation claims attorneys can help you get the following benefits if you qualify:
- Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary treatment related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital care, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical devices.
- Wage loss compensation replaces a portion of your salary when you cannot work due to your injury.
- Schedule awards compensate for permanent impairment to specific body parts after you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. These payments are based on a formula that considers the body part affected, the percentage of impairment, and your regular salary.
- Vocational rehabilitation services help you return to gainful employment if you cannot resume your previous postal position. These services may include job training, education, resume assistance, and job placement support to help you find suitable work within your medical restrictions.
- Death benefits provide support to eligible survivors if a postal employee dies from a work-related injury or illness.
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Addressing FECA Claim Denials and Disputes
Claims are often denied due to insufficient medical evidence connecting your condition to your job duties. This is particularly common for occupational diseases that develop over time rather than traumatic injuries from single incidents.
OWCP may accept part of your claim and ignore related problems that developed from the same incident or exposure. For example, they might receive a back strain but not the resulting radiculopathy or disc damage.
Termination of benefits can occur if OWCP determines you can return to work or that your condition is no longer related to your original work injury. Fighting benefit termination typically requires new medical evidence showing your ongoing disability or the continued connection to your workplace injury.
Appealing FECA Decisions
The appeals process for FECA claims involves several levels, beginning with a request for reconsideration by the district OWCP office. If unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) in Washington, D.C. Each appeal level has specific requirements and deadlines that must be followed precisely.
Having experienced legal representation during disputes with OWCP significantly improves your chances of a successful resolution. Our Rome USPS workers’ compensation claims lawyers are familiar with the federal system. We understand what evidence is most persuasive and how to present your case effectively at each stage of the process.
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How Bader Law Assists Injured USPS Workers
Our legal team provides support for postal employees dealing with the complexities of the federal workers’ compensation system:
- We help prepare initial claim forms to ensure they contain the necessary information for prompt approval.
- Our attorneys review medical documentation and work with your healthcare providers to develop strong evidence supporting your claim.
- We assist with responding to OWCP questionnaires, information requests, and other communications.
- Our team prepares you for second opinions and referee examinations to help you present your condition accurately.
- We develop and implement strategies for addressing claim denials, termination of benefits, or disputes about the extent of your injury.
- Our experienced advocates represent you throughout the appeals process if your claim requires formal adjudication.
Having knowledgeable legal representation helps level the playing field when you’re dealing with OWCP claims examiners and their medical consultants.
Contact Our USPS Workers’ Compensation Claims Lawyers in Rome
A job-related injury can affect every aspect of your life—your health, finances, and career path. While the federal workers’ compensation system should provide support during this difficult time, the reality is that many USPS employees face unnecessary obstacles when seeking the benefits they deserve.
At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we help injured postal workers in Rome and throughout Northern Georgia navigate the FECA system successfully.
Our attorneys bring professional knowledge and genuine concern to every case, fighting to secure the medical care, income benefits, and other support you need during recovery.
If you’ve been injured while working for USPS in Rome or the surrounding areas, contact us today for a free consultation. Our Rome USPS workers’ compensation claims lawyers will evaluate your situation, explain your rights under federal law, and develop a strategy to protect your interests.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
