As a federal employee, you have come to expect certain employee benefits to be there for you when you need them. Like any injured worker, you believe you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when your medical condition results from your job. However, the federal government is very strict about granting workers compensation benefits. Contact Sarphie Law to learn more about the workers’ compensation process and your legal rights.
How and When To File an OWCP Claim
The Federal Employees Compensation Act allows federal civilian employees to receive medical coverage and a portion of their lost wages when they have suffered a work-related injury or illness. To qualify for benefits, you would need to file a claim with the Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP), which would review your claim and determine whether or not you are eligible for benefits.
If you have suffered a permanent disability, you may be entitled to a schedule award based on the percentage of disability to a certain body part. This determination would be made after you have reached the point of maximum medical improvement, where further medical treatment may not result in any change to your condition.
Why Your OWCP Claim May Be Denied
As with any other workers’ compensation program, you must prove that you suffered a work-related injury. OWCP is extremely strict when granting a worker’s compensation claim. OWCP could deny your claim for the following reasons:
- They do not believe you suffered an actual injury that would impair your ability to work.
- They do not think that your injury was work-related.
- They claim your injury was actually a pre-existing condition, rather than the result of something that happened on the job.
Contact an OWCP Lawyer to Learn More
Sarphie Law fights for the rights of injured federal workers in the face of an unforgiving and unrelenting bureaucracy. Consider hiring a federal workers’ compensation lawyer before you file your claim to give yourself the best chance of success. You can schedule an appointment to speak with an attorney by sending us a message through our website or by calling us today at 833-635-2667. Schedule a free initial consultation today.