Federal Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Erie, PA

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Federal Employees: Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)

Federal Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Erie, PAThe Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) is the workers’ compensation law that governs all civilian federal employees who are disabled as a result of injuries incurred in the course of their employment. FECA is administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensations Programs (OWCP). Benefits provided under FECA include wage loss benefits, medical care, rehabilitation, payment of compensation for permanent loss or loss of use (schedule awards), attendant’s allowance, and survivors’ benefits.

In order to obtain benefits under FECA an individual has the burden of proving the following five elements:

  1. The individual is an employee of the United States government;
  2. The individual filed a claim within the applicable time limits;
  3. The individual sustained an injury;
  4. The individual sustained the injury in the performance of his/her job duties; and
  5. The individual’s disability and/or specific condition for which compensation was claimed is causally related to the employment factors with rationalized medical evidence.

OWCP follows a complex set of laws and regulations when administering FECA. An injured civilian federal employee should consult with an attorney experienced in representing FECA claimants as soon as practical following a work injury. An attorney experienced in representing FECA claimants can help an injured worker through the complex set of laws and regulations governing their claim in order to ensure that the injured worker meets their obligations and maximizes the available benefits under FECA.

The most common questions our office receives from FECA claimants include:

  • Am I entitled to receive a schedule award?
  • Am I eligible for continuation of pay (COP)?
  • Do I have to follow OWCP’s vocational rehabilitation plan?
  • Can I change my doctor?
  • I have been offered a return to work on modified duty, but I am unable to perform the modified duty as a result of my work injury, what should I do?

If you are a federal employee that has sustained a work-related injury, call our office to schedule a free consultation with an attorney experienced in representing FECA claimants.