Under the law (FECA), you are obligated to report workplace accidents/ injuries to your immediate supervisor. Here is how to do it.

     If you are injured at work, you must report your injury immediately, within two (2) days, but at least within thirty (30) days.

     File a CA-1 Notice of Traumatic Injury form. Get your receipt. Don't let the supervisor delay it.  Select 45 day Continuation of Pay if you desire to continue your pay for 45 calendar days instead of sick leave or annual leave.

     Secure Medical Authorization by securing Form CA16. You have the right to choose a doctor. If management send you to their doctor, DO NOT GO A SECOND TIME, otherwise you are stuck with a company doctor.

     Secure Medical Documentation via Forms CA-20, CA-20a, CA-17. Remember it is your obligation to submit medical documentation to the government. Do not trust management! Get copies of any forms you submit to the injury compensation office with a round date.

     Secure Medical Evidence via a well rationalized comprehensive medical report from your doctor that states the injury was caused by your employment and how the doctor came to the conclusion from a medical standpoint. Get a copy and get a round date when submitted to management.  Department of Labor, not Postal Management determines the validity of a worker's compensation claim. Do not trust management. Get competent representation.

     IF YOUR CLAIM IS CONTROVERTED, get representation. If your claim is rejected, request a hearing. If you appeal or request reconsideration first, you cannot later get a hearing.

     RESPOND TO GOVERNMENT INQUIRIES sent by Department of Labor, OWCP, or even management, but be careful what you write. Send correspondence via certified mail. Get representation!!

     For Occupational Diseases suffered over a period of time, file a CA-2 and follow guidelines on the form. Get Representation!!
 

Link to the OWCP Questions & Answers Page

Link to FED up - Federal Employees with Disabilities

Link to Self-Help Resource Library for Injury Situations

Some links to the Department of Labor Web Site
 http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp_org.htm

COMP PAGE BY DOL WITH ADDRESSES,PAMPHLETS, AND HANDBOOKS
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/fecacont.htm

TIMELY NOTICE OF WORK INJURY BY AGENCIES, ETC.......
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/fecaca.htm

ALL THE COMP FORMS AVAILABLE TO PRINT - VALID FOR SUBMISSION - NEVER HAVE TO
WORRY ABOUT FINDING THEM!!!!
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/forms.htm

This site was created by Jack Ball.
Please address all comments and corrections to him at apwuqcy@adams.net