What Does the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act Provide?

Federal Employees' Compensation Act in Maryland

 Federal Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

If you are a federal employee who has been injured on the job, you may be entitled to benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). FECA is a federal law that provides medical benefits and wage replacement payments to eligible federal workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their job, such as postal employees.

At Aumiller Lomax, our federal workers’ compensation attorneys have extensive experience handling FECA claims and can help you obtain the benefits you deserve. We represent federal workers wherever they are located, so you can be sure that we have the knowledge and resources to get you the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and discuss your legal options.

What Is the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)?

The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) is a workers’ compensation program that provides benefits to federal employees who are injured at work or develop an occupational disease. Benefits include wage replacement, medical expenses, and vocational rehabilitation. FECA may also provide benefits for dependents of federal workers who were killed as a result of a work-related injury or disease.

Who Is Covered by FECA?

FECA covers most civilian employees of the federal government who are injured at work or develop an occupational disease. Coverage includes workers in executive agencies, the Library of Congress, the Postal Service, and the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service, as well as their dependents in the event of a death.

Types of FECA Injuries

FECA benefits are available for injuries that occur at work or as a result of work-related activities. Injuries can be caused by accidents, exposures to hazardous conditions, or repetitive trauma. Examples of FECA-covered injuries include:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Car accidents
  • Exposure to hazardous materials
  • Repetitive motion injuries

Your injury does not have to be physical to be eligible for workers’ compensation, nor do you have to perform manual labor as part of your vocation. Our firm has represented clients who have suffered ailments like bursitis, impaired lung function, osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The best way to determine whether or not you have a valid claim is to schedule a free consultation with us. We will listen to your story and help you determine the validity of your case.

The Benefits of Filing a Federal Workers’ Compensation Claim

There are many benefits to filing a workers’ compensation claim under FECA. First and foremost, you will be able to obtain medical benefits to cover the cost of your treatment. In addition, you may be eligible for wage replacement benefits if you are unable to work as a result of your injury or illness. If you are unable to return to your pre-injury job, FECA may also provide vocational rehabilitation benefits to help you retrain for a new career.

Proven Results

According to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, over 96,400 cases were created under FECA in 2021. More than 183,000 federal workers received benefits totaling $2.938 billion. Over $2 billion was awarded for wage-loss compensation, with millions going towards medical services, rehabilitation, and benefits payments for dependents. If you’re hesitating to file a claim because you’re not sure if you have a case, understand that many federal workers receive compensation every year. The federal workers’ compensation attorneys at Aumiller Lomax will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome for your case.

 What Damages Can I Recover Under FECA?

FECA provides for three types of benefits: medical benefits, wage replacement benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.

  • Medical Benefits: FECA provides for the payment of medical expenses incurred as a result of a work-related injury or illness. This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and other medical treatments that are shown to be beneficial to the victim’s continued well-being.
  • Wage Replacement Benefits: FECA provides for the payment of wage replacement benefits to eligible federal employees who are unable to work as a result of their injury or illness. Wage replacement benefits are based on the employee’s pre-injury salary.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: FECA provides for the payment of vocational rehabilitation benefits to eligible federal employees who are unable to return to their pre-injury job. Vocational rehabilitation benefits can help you retrain for a new career. In some cases, FECA may also assist victims with finding a new job or placing them in a new position. It should be noted that the OWCP decides whether to pursue vocational rehabilitation benefits, not the claimant.

Postal Workers and FECA

As a federal postal worker, you are covered by FECA if you are injured on the job. This includes injuries that occur while you are working at a postal facility, driving a postal vehicle, or performing your duties as a postal worker. Common injuries you may face as a postal worker include:

  • Dog bites: Postal workers are susceptible to dog bites while delivering mail. If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to federal workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Muscle strains: Lifting heavy mailbags can lead to muscle strains, which are a common type of injury for postal workers.
  • Slip and falls: Icy sidewalks or uneven pavement are all hazards for postal workers trying to deliver mail.
  • Auto accidents: Driving a postal truck or van can be dangerous, and postal workers may suffer from injuries sustained in auto accidents.

Federal Workers

FECA is applicable to a wide range of federal workers from various organizations. For example, if you work for any of the following bodies, you may be eligible for FECA:

Professional Assistance From Start to Finish

The lawyers at Aumiller Lomax focus on federal workers’ compensation cases, so you can be confident that we are familiar with the applicable rules and regulations. We use our in-depth knowledge of FECA to help maximize compensation for your injuries. We will be with you every step of the way, from filing your initial claim to appealing a denied claim. The process can be overwhelming, but we are here to help you navigate the system.

 Free Initial Consultation

If you have been injured while performing your job duties as a federal employee, you may be entitled to federal workers’ compensation benefits. To learn more about your legal rights, contact Aumiller Lomax today for a free initial consultation. We will review your case and help you understand the best way to proceed.