Yes. United States Postal Service employees are eligible for federal workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured while performing their job duties. Unlike private-sector employees in Louisiana, postal workers are covered under a federal system known as the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, commonly referred to as FECA.
For USPS employees in Metairie and throughout Jefferson Parish, understanding how federal workers’ compensation works is essential after a workplace injury. The system differs significantly from Louisiana state workers’ compensation laws, and navigating the process can be complex. Filing errors, missed deadlines, or incomplete documentation can delay or jeopardize benefits.
At Sarphie Law, we represent injured postal workers and other federal employees in Metairie, helping them file FECA claims properly and pursue appeals when claims are denied.
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act provides workers’ compensation benefits to federal employees who suffer work-related injuries or occupational illnesses. Because USPS is a federal agency, postal workers are not covered by Louisiana’s state workers’ compensation system.
Instead, injured USPS employees must file claims through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, commonly referred to as OWCP.
FECA covers injuries that occur:
For example, a letter carrier in Metairie who slips while delivering mail, a postal clerk who develops carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive sorting, or a maintenance employee injured while lifting equipment may all qualify for FECA benefits.
USPS employees approved under FECA may receive several types of benefits, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.
Medical benefits typically include payment for all reasonable and necessary treatment related to the work injury. This may include doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
Wage replacement benefits are also available if the injury prevents the employee from working. Compensation generally equals a percentage of the worker’s salary, often 66 and two-thirds percent of pay, or 75 percent if the employee has dependents.
Additional benefits may include compensation for permanent impairment, vocational rehabilitation assistance, and schedule awards for certain permanent losses.
Because FECA is a federal system, the calculation of benefits follows specific statutory guidelines. Errors in documentation or failure to properly establish a causal relationship between the job and the injury can result in delays or denials.
Filing a federal workers’ compensation claim involves several required forms and procedural steps. The process generally includes:
Different forms apply depending on whether the injury was traumatic, meaning it occurred during a single event, or developed over time as an occupational illness.
Medical documentation is particularly important. OWCP requires clear, well-supported medical opinions explaining how the injury is directly related to job duties. Without sufficient medical evidence, claims may be denied.
Postal workers in Metairie should act promptly after an injury to protect their rights under federal law.
Not all FECA claims are approved on the first submission. Denials often occur due to:
A denial does not necessarily mean benefits are unavailable. USPS employees have the right to request reconsideration, submit additional medical evidence, request a hearing, or pursue further review within the OWCP system.
Appeals can be highly technical. Success often depends on presenting detailed medical opinions and addressing the specific reasons for denial.
Sarphie Law represents injured postal workers and other federal employees in Metairie in both initial filings and appeals. Our experienced USPS workers’ compensation lawyer helps ensure that claims are properly documented and aggressively pursued when disputes arise.
Many injured workers are familiar with Louisiana’s state workers’ compensation system. However, federal employees must follow a completely separate set of rules.
Key differences include:
Because of these differences, working with an attorney experienced in federal workers’ compensation matters is critical.
Federal workers’ compensation claims can become complicated quickly. Establishing the medical connection between a job duty and an injury requires careful documentation. Employers and OWCP may scrutinize claims closely, particularly when injuries involve repetitive stress, preexisting conditions, or disputed facts.
For postal workers in Metairie and across Jefferson Parish, having knowledgeable legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim.
If you are a USPS employee who has been injured on the job or received a denial from OWCP, contact Sarphie Law today to schedule a consultation. Our firm assists injured postal workers and other federal employees with filing claims, correcting errors, and appealing denials so they can pursue the full benefits available under federal law.
