Filing a claim for federal workers’ compensation is unlike filing a claim through the state. There’s a unique process that must be followed in order to adequately submit your claim to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Before you begin, it’s important to know if your injury fits the mold.
Federal Workers’ Compensation for a Traumatic Injury
You slip and fall on the job. You didn’t foresee this injury, and it occurred unexpectedly while performing your usual duties. This is an example of a traumatic injury. To sum it up, it’s a one-time event that results in unexpected consequence. When these types of injuries happen, the federal workers’ compensation program is prepared to provide assistance.
If you suffer from a traumatic injury, it’s important that you file a CA-1 form within 30 days from the date you were injured. The CA-1 form can serve as a claim for the continuation of pay (COP). According to the U.S. Department of Labor, COP can provide an injured employee with their regular salary for up to 45 days following their traumatic injury. Don’t forget, when you file your CA-1 claim with your employer you should obtain a receipt of the Notice of Injury. This receipt is located on the CA-1 form and your supervisor simply has to fill it out and return it to you. Once you receive it, be sure file it somewhere safe so that you can refer back to it if needed.
Federal Workers’ Compensation for Occupational Disease or Illness
Like a traumatic injury, if you contract a disease or illness on the job, you may qualify for federal workers’ comp benefits. As expressed by the U.S. Department of Labor, the disease or illness must have formed over a period of time and over the course of more than one shift. Often times this is related to exposure to certain toxins or chemicals.
To file a federal workers’ compensation claim for occupational disease or illness, complete and submit a CA-2 form. Be sure to provide medical documentation and a detailed statement of your job requirements when you submit this form. Having both of these can be crucial to proving you have a valid claim. You should also take a look at form CA-35, which provides a checklist of required evidence. Unfortunately, unlike traumatic injury, COP is not an option for individuals who are suffering from an occupational disease or illness.
You May Qualify for Legal Assistance
Feeling overwhelmed by the federal workers’ comp process? Well, you’re not alone. Many people find that a workers’ compensation attorney can make it less stressful. An attorney can greatly increase your odds of winning federal workers’ compensation. They can also help gather medical records and documentation vital to proving your injury or illness qualifies for benefits.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!
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Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.
