VA Disability, FELA Lawyer & Federal Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Fostering Care, Support & Understanding

When Veterans have been denied disability benefits at the VA, when federal employees face challenges navigating Federal Workers' Compensation (FECA) claims, or railroad workers have been hurt on the job, and are filing FELA claims, they turn to us. Attorney Daren Sarphie has a long and successful career helping those in need. Sarphie Law is dedicated to helping you navigate the sea of red tape and win whatever struggle you’re faced with.

Reviews

Client Wins

It’s easy to go numb and become insensitive when you deal with these types of claims day in and day out. But apathy is what we’re fighting against, and it tends to cloud out who we’re fighting for.

We only win when our clients do. These are some recent results we’ve been able to achieve on behalf of injured and disabled clients just like you.

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BRIDGES V. GATEN’S ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, L.L.C.

This was an example of the employer punishing the employee for having an accident and asserting her right to workers’ compensation benefits. My client was driving a charter bus full of school children. One child was in a wheelchair and needed a parent to assist getting him on and off of the bus. At one stop the parent was having trouble getting the child back on, so my client helped. Unfortunately, she hut her lower back in the process.

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ALBERT V. STRATEGIC RESTAURANTS ACQUISITION CO.

In 2013, Louisiana had enacted a new process, called a Preliminary Determination Hearing, to allow an employer a practice trial in front of the workers’ compensation judge and get an advisory opinion on the issues raised by the claimant in the lawsuit.  The decision was not binding, nor could it be appealed.  The losing side had the opportunity to accept the recommendations and avoid the penalty of possible penalties and attorney fees, or could proceed to a trial on the merits.

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SALOMONE V. GREATER GULF COAST AUTO AUCTIONS

This is probably my fondest case over my entire career because it was a true David vs. Goliath story, and a perfect example of how an insurance company can build trust with an injured worker and use that trust to its advantage.

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You're the PriorityDefending your rights. Delivering what you deserve.

Whether it is an injury or illness that happened at work, or in the line of service for our country, being told no when you ask for help is a horrible feeling. Your told that the systems in place to help don’t care about you. Your lost. Lost in a system of complex rules, regulations, forms and deadlines. Evidence becomes key. Without it you may never get the help and support that you deserve. But, you need to be a professional to understand the complexities and even know where to start.

Attorney Daren Sarphie takes all the skills that he’s developed over a long career and employs them to help clients, like you, in their struggles to overcome injuries and disabilities. He listens. He understands your issues. He puts together a plan and outlines the path forward. Most importantly, he’s on your side and he fights to get what you deserve.

Get Help Now

Let’s Talk About The Help That You Need.

You work hard to care for your family, your community, and your country. Who is going to care for you through an accident or disability? Daren Sarphie will fight to ensure you receive the benefits and support that you deserve.

  • Help Beyond Compensation
  • We Only Handle Cases Like Yours
  • Round-The-Clock Client Service

On Your Side Areas of Practice

For many clients and their families, the claim for benefits is their lifeline. They’re hurt, scared, and not even completely sure they have a legitimate claim. It’s serious business and it’s personal. When you reach out to Sarphie Law, we listen to understand your challenges, and are happy to provide you with knowledge of your options, insight on the path forward, and someone you can count on. We take pride in being responsive and accessible, addressing your concerns promptly, and keeping you updated on the progress of your case. Sarphie Law focuses on claims for
Helping Our Veterans

VA Benefits Lawyer

So many Veterans rely on the VA for disability benefits and too many have to fight for the right to get it.

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Helping Federal Government and Postal Workers

Feca Claims Lawyer

When federal employees and postal workers are having challenges navigating Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) Claims, they turn to us.

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Helping the Railroaders

FELA Lawyer

FELA allows an injured worker to sue a railroad in a negligence-based personal injury lawsuit.

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Why Choose Us?

We’re Here to Help.

When a client is denied their benefits, they are essentially being told that they 
aren’t hurt, that they aren’t in pain, that they can work, and that they are not 
believed. They’re people told this by people who they have never met, and 
sometimes, never spoken to. We can help… so we do.

  • we listen
    We Listen

    We listen to what you’ve been through, what you need, where your challenges are, and what is your ultimate goal.

  • we communicate
    We Communicate

    We explain your rights and your options. We put together a strategy and update you on the progress every step of the way. You’ll always know what’s going on.

  • we fight
    We Execute

    Every claim is like a chess match. We put together a strategy before we even start the game in order to make key moves at the beginning and gain the advantage. By the end, we want to ensure you receive the help and compensation you deserve.

Our Case Process Working With Us is Easy.

We work hard to ensure our clients are always informed on the status of their case. You can rest assured that you have a staunch advocate supporting you on your team.
Free Consultation

Free Consultation

Sarphie Law offers complimentary case reviews. He will attentively hear your story, assess your challenges, and align with your goals.

We Get To Work

We Get To Work

Once you’re on board, we spring into action. With dedicated advocacy and transparent communication, we pursue your benefits vigorously.

Get Help Now

Let’s Talk About The Help That You Need.

You work hard to care for your family, your community, and your country. Who is going to care for you through an accident or disability? Daren Sarphie will fight to ensure you receive the benefits and support that you deserve.

  • Help Beyond Compensation
  • We Only Handle Cases Like Yours
  • Round-The-Clock Client Service

Got Questions? We Can Answer Them.

The situation you’re in is difficult. That’s why we make working with our firm easy. We work hard to ensure our clients are always informed on the status of their case, and know that they have a fighter in their corner.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer for a Federal Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Federal worker’s compensation claims are governed by their own laws and have their own courts. When you are choosing a federal worker’s compensation lawyer, it is important that you understand how FECA laws and the administrative process of OWCP work. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) oversees the claims process for federal workers. Just like state worker’s compensation claims, the federal workers’ compensation process can be long and tedious. There is also a chance that your claim will be denied. Contact us today at 833-635-2667 to review your case, and we will guide you through your next steps.

How Does Medical Care Works in a Federal Workers’ Comp Claim?

FECA is supposed to cover all medical treatment costs associated with the covered injury. OWCP plays a prominent role in determining what type of treatment you can receive for your work-related injury. Before filing a claim, you have the right to select your physician. Once your claim is approved, OWCP will gain control, determining the care you receive to treat the work-related injury. You and OWCP may sometimes have differing views on what care is necessary. You can file an appeal if you disagree with the OWCP decision about your medical care.

What Benefits are Available From a FECA Claim?

There are several different types of benefits that you are entitled to under a federal workers’ compensation claim. It is important that you understand what types of benefits you can claim after a federal workplace injury and what forms you will need for each one.

Medical Benefits

FECA laws give you the right to cover all of your costs associated with a federal workplace injury. This includes doctor visits, medical devices, therapy, medication, and surgery. You will also be allowed to select your doctor. Depending on the type of injury you have had and the type of treatment you will need, you may be eligible to receive compensation for these included costs.

Continuation Pay

Continuation pay is a benefit you can receive after being out of work due to a workplace injury. You can take up to 45 days off while being paid your full normal salary. You must file a Form CA-1 within 30 days to receive these benefits. Different rules apply to different federal employees for these benefits. Postal workers, for example, have a 3-day waiting period before they are eligible for continuation pay.

Wage Loss Benefits

You will be eligible for wage loss benefits once you have passed the 45 days or were denied your continuation pay. If you are single without dependents, these benefits are at a rate of ⅔ of your annual salary. Unlike some state workers’ compensation, your spouse is considered a dependent. This rate is raised to 75% if you have dependents. The type of benefits you can receive depends on whether you have a total or partial disability.

Death Benefits

If you have had a family member who has died due to a federal workplace injury, you may be able to claim some of their benefits to help you after this tragic loss. This will depend on your relationship with them, so it is important that you contact us today to find out how we can help 833-635-2667.

Vocational Rehabilitation

OWCP may arrange for vocational rehabilitation and provide a monthly maintenance allowance that can be capped at $200.00 monthly. A disabled federal employee participating in a vocational rehabilitation program is paid at the compensation rate for total disability.

What is a Schedule Award?

Schedule awards are benefits you may be eligible for if you have permanent impairment due to a workplace injury. They are based on the percentage of impairment to a specific body part and are paid in addition to your other disability benefits. Schedule awards will become available once your doctor determines you have reached your Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

What is the process to appeal OWCP’s decisions?

To appeal the result of a workers’ compensation claim, you must follow an internal appeals process, including a request for reconsideration and hearing before they issue a final decision. If you are dissatisfied with OWCP’s decision, including an outright denial of your benefits, you can file an appeal with the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board. This is a separate division within the Department of Labor that has the authority to review decisions made by the OWCP.

You have 180 days from the receipt of the decision by the OWCP to file an appeal with the Board. The board only considers the evidence in front of the OWCP when making their decision. You cannot introduce new evidence to the Board. This makes it even more crucial to present your strongest possible case when you initially file for benefits.

How Much Does a Federal Workers’ Compensation Attorney Cost?

OWCP does not allow attorneys representing injured federal workers to be paid on a contingency basis, like state workers’ compensation systems do. Sarphie Law bills its federal workers’ compensation clients for work actually performed on a 1/10th of an hour increment. This means we only charge you for the work and time we spend handling your case. We believe you have already sacrificed enough, and we want to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How do I win a Veterans Affairs disability claim?

Winning a disability claim requires a complete application and proving your right to benefits. It means identifying all benefits you qualify to receive and taking the steps to claim your benefits.

How much compensation can you receive from a FELA lawsuit?

Every case is different and it is hard to know how much a case is worth until all the facts are known. There are factors that a lawyer needs to understand about your injuries and how they have affected you. If injuries were caused due to an employer’s negligence, it is possible that you are eligible for significant financial compensation. FELA compensation could include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, or lost of enjoyment of life.

We Will Review Your Case For Free.

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