Documentation Required to Support a Federal Workers’ Compensation Claim for Postal Workers

Two people looking at documentation

Two people looking at documentation

As a postal worker facing an injury or illness at work, the initial steps you take to file a federal workers’ compensation claim may define the extent of your benefits. Gathering the required paperwork from the start helps simplify the claims process and promotes a favorable outcome. Here’s the essential paperwork and evidence needed to support a federal workers’ compensation claim for postal workers.

Initial Documentation

A successful federal workers’ compensation claim requires careful attention to detail and thorough preparation. The initial documentation serves as the foundation of your claim, establishing the validity and extent of your injury or illness.

CA-1 or CA-2 Form

CA-1 Form (Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation) is the form to use if you’ve suffered a traumatic injury on the job. Be sure to file it within 30 days of the injury to ensure eligibility for Continuation of Pay (COP).

CA-2 Form (Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation) is the appropriate form for conditions developed over time due to job-related activities.

Any claim, whether traumatic injury or occupational disease, must be filed within three (3) years. Failure to file within this time frame will always result in a denial of your claim. When to start counting the three (3) year time frame may differ depending on the type of case. Having representation to help you properly understand your rights is essential.

Medical Records

Proof of medical treatment is the cornerstone of your claim, providing evidence of the injury or illness and its connection to your job as a postal worker. Obtain copies of the following medical records and submit them with your claim:

  • Initial diagnosis and prognosis
  • Test results, including MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays
  • Detailed treatment plans and any prescriptions, surgeries, or therapies required
  • Information on any work restrictions or accommodations needed (these should also be supplied to your employer directly)
  • Future medical care projections, if applicable
  • Medical bills related to treating your injuries

Witness Statements

If anyone witnessed the incident that caused your injury, gather statements from them to bolster your claim. These statements should:

  • Clearly describe the incident from the witness’ perspective
  • Note the date, time, and location of the incident
  • Include any observations of your immediate reaction and condition following the incident
  • Be provided by coworkers, supervisors, or anyone else who was present at the time of the incident

Supporting Evidence

After compiling the documentation essentials for your federal workers’ compensation claim, the next step is to gather supporting evidence that reinforces your claim by offering a clearer picture of how your work-related injury or illness impacts your daily life and job performance.

Detailed Job Description

This supporting evidence demonstrates how your injury or illness relates to your duties as a postal worker. The job description you submit with your claim should include:

  • A complete list of your daily tasks and responsibilities
  • The physical and mental demands of your job, such as lifting heavy packages, driving mail delivery vehicles, or dealing with high-stress situations
  • Information about how your work environment may have contributed to your injury

Wage Loss Documentation

If your claim involves wage loss compensation, provide the following documentation to support your case:

  • Pay stubs or other records showing your earnings before the injury or illness occurred
  • Documentation from your employer verifying any time off work due to your condition
  • Evidence of any reduced earnings if you’ve returned to work in a limited or different capacity

Additional Medical Evidence

Continuous medical documentation is vital, especially if your claim involves a long-term condition. Be prepared to provide the following:

  • Updates on your medical condition and any changes in your treatment plan
  • Records of hospital visits, physical therapy sessions, and consultations with specialists
  • Documentation supporting the need for ongoing care or rehabilitation services
  • The costs associated with these ongoing treatments

Special Considerations

In addition to the initial documentation and supporting evidence required for a federal workers’ compensation claim, postal workers should be aware of several special considerations:

  • Coverage under FECA: Before filing, confirm that your injury or illness is indeed covered under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). This requires the incident to have occurred while you were, or condition developed due to, performing your duties and that it was not a result of willful misconduct on your part.
  • Performance of duty: The scope of what FECA considers “performance of duty” is broad. First, it includes incidents that occur while conducting sanctioned work activities. Even if an injury occurs at the postal facility but not directly while handling mail, it may still be considered work-related under certain conditions.
  • Timeliness of your claim: It’s generally beneficial to file your claim as soon as possible. Injured postal workers are expected to provide written notice of their injuries within 30 days of the incident and file a claim within three years or risk losing access to benefits.

Why Choose Aumiller Lomax?

If you’re an injured postal worker, Aumiller Lomax can help guide you through the complex compensation system. We provide quality service without upfront fees, ensuring prompt access to financial support. For help securing the benefits you deserve, please contact us at 856-751-0440 for a free consultation.