If you are a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee who has been injured on the job, you have the right to seek help through workers’ compensation. However, as a federal employee, there are specific steps you must take to get the help you need.
The process can be frustrating, especially when you are injured and face weeks or months of recovery. The government may even deny your claim for reasons that are not entirely clear. You need help from a Johns Creek USPS workers’ compensation claims lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, our Johns Creek workers’ compensation lawyers are a big part of the reason we’ve recovered over $1 billion in damages for injured Georgians. Call today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you, too.
Federal Employees’ Compensation Act
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides workers’ compensation benefits to United States Postal Service workers and other federal employees. When injured, USPS employees must rely on this program instead of the Georgia state workers’ comp program.
FECA is intended to help federal employees with workplace injuries and illnesses. Injured postal workers can receive compensation to pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.
The application process can be confusing when you are trying to recover from an injury and worry about other issues, such as caring for your family and paying your bills. A Johns Creek personal injury lawyer can help you complete your application, avoid delays, and deal with denials.
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Benefits Available Through FECA
Depending on your injuries and needs, you may qualify for several types of benefits through the Federal Employees Compensation Act. If you aren’t sure which to apply for, a Johns Creek USPS Workers’ compensation claims attorney can help you.
Medical Benefits
If you have been hurt on the job and require medical treatment, FECA benefits can help you pay for the care you need to recover from your injury. The program can cover medical expenses such as:
- Surgery
- Prescriptions
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Physical and occupational therapy.
Wage Replacement
The Federal Employees Compensation Act can help postal employees recover lost wages and receive compensation for the earnings they’ve missed while unable to work. This means employees can focus on healing and not worry about making ends meet while away from work.
Temporarily disabled workers can receive two-thirds of their average weekly wages. However, long-term benefits are also available for workers who suffer injuries that lead to long-term disabilities.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you are injured and able to return to work but not to your former position, FECA provides vocational rehabilitation benefits. These help cover the expenses involved in job retraining and can help injured workers learn new skills so they can return to work.
Death Benefits
Death benefits available through the Federal Employees Compensation Act compensate the surviving spouse, children, and other dependents when a USPS employee passes away because of an injury sustained at work.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a USPS workers’ compensation claims lawyer in Johns Creek can help you avoid mistakes that may lead to delays or denials of your claim. A skilled attorney can provide legal advice and protect your best interests while dealing with the federal government.
- We can assist you with filing your workers’ compensation claim so you can be sure you’ve completed the correct steps, complied with deadlines, and included essential documents.
- If the government denies your claim, we can help you with your appeal and represent you in hearings.
- We have years of experience, which means we know how to maximize your benefits and ensure you get the compensation you need.
- We can handle negotiations and deal with the federal government’s insurers if necessary.
- If the government questions the extent of your injury, our investigations can prove your medical need for assistance.
Above all, the greatest advantage of hiring our personal injury lawyers is the peace of mind you’ll experience. Knowing an experienced team is managing your claim allows you to focus on your recovery.
Statute of Limitations for USPS Workers’ Compensation Claims
The statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim with the Federal Employees Compensation Act is three years from the date of the injury. However, there are other important time frames to be aware of.
Sometimes, you may not be aware of an injury or illness caused by your work-related duties until much later. In those cases, the three-year statute of limitations does not start until the date you became aware or should have been aware.
You have 30 days to report your injury or illness to your employer, though it is a good idea to report it as soon as possible.
Can USPS Workers Sue the Federal Government?
Federal workers, including those employed by the USPS, have a pathway to sue the government for personal injuries sustained at work under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
The FTCA allows individuals to sue the government for the negligent or wrongful acts of a federal employee.
However, for a USPS worker, the process of invoking the FTCA is complex. If you are considering suing the government for a work-related injury, it is important to consult with an attorney before making any decisions.
Contact a Johns Creek USPS Workers’ Compensation Claims Attorney
You’re hurt, you can’t work, and you need help paying your bills and getting care so you can return to your job. But, for reasons you can’t fathom, your claim was denied. You can appeal, but as a federal employee, that means going up against the U.S. government.
If you are a USPS worker and your workers’ compensation claim is denied, there is hope. Don’t take on the fight alone. Our Johns Creek USPS workers’ compensation claims attorneys have the experience and the knowledge to help you get the compensation you deserve.
When you are injured on the job, get The Strong Arm. Our team at John Foy & Associates has over 350 years of combined experience in personal injury law. Contact us today for a free consultation and tell us your story.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form