Workers' Compensation for Federal Employees in Ohio: What You Need to Know

Workplace injuries can happen to anyone, no matter where they work or what they do, from operating machinery to sitting at a desk. Federal employees, however, are treated a bit differently than private-sector workers in Ohio. These workers don't file through the state-run Bureau of Workers Compensation. Instead, they must file through a program specifically for government employees.

Federal employees in Columbus, Cleveland, or elsewhere in Ohio should seek out the help of an attorney, like those at Larrimer & Larrimer, to find out how to file a claim when injured at work. They can answer questions like Can I get workers' compensation on a work visa in Ohio?

Who is a Federal Employee?

Before explaining the process of how federal employees get workers compensation, it's important to understand what is meany by the term 'federal employee.' Here is a list of common agencies where federal employees work:

• The US Postal Service

• The Department of Veterans Affair (VA)

• The Department of Homeland Security

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• Federal Bureau of Prisons

• Internal Revenues Service (IRS)

• Social Security Administration

• Department of Defense

• Many others, including maritime employees injured on navigable waters of the US (Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act)

It doesn't matter what role the employee has. If they are paid by the federal government, federal workers compensation laws apply.

Federal Employees Compensation Act

Federal employees have their own workers compensation system thanks to the Federal Employees Compensation Act, known as FECA. The Director of the FECA is Jennifer Valdivieso and administered by OWCP, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.

FECA covers the following compensation and benefits for federal employees:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Disability benefits

• Vocational rehabilitation

• Death benefits for surviving family members

Common Injuries for Federal Workers

Like employees in the private sector, federal employees can become injured on the job in the following ways:

• Slip and fall accidents

• Repetitive motion injuries (like carpal tunnel)

• Lifting injuries

• Car accidents while at work

• Assaults or injuries in correctional facilities

• Exposure to chemicals

If someone is injured while doing their normal job duties, they may qualify for compensation.

Filing a Federal Workers' Compensation Claim in Ohio

It can be overwhelming and confusing to file a federal workers compensation claim. Here are the basic steps:

1. Report the Injuries or Illnesses - The injured employee should immediately notify their supervisor about the injury. There are forms to fill out, and they must be filled out quickly.

2. Get Medical Attention - Any doctor can treat the injury or illness, but they must be willing to fill out the required forms. Medical documentation is very important for workers compensation claims of all kinds.

3. Submit the Claim - The employee must submit the claim through the Employees' Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP).

4. Wait for a Decision - The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs will evaluate the claim and approve or deny it. It can take several weeks to determine the validity.

   
   

Available Benefits Under FECA

Federal employees who are approved for workers compensation may be entitled to several benefits:

Medical Benefits

All medical care related to the work injury is included including hospital visits, surgery, therapy, prescriptions, and more.

Wage Replacement

Federal employees may receive a COP, or continuation of pay, for up to 45 days. After that, the employee may be eligible for temporary total disability benefits.

Permanent Disability Compensation

If the employee is permanently injured, they may qualify for permanent disability.

Vocational Rehabilitation

For employees who cannot return to their original job, FECA may offer job replacement assistance or retraining.

Death Benefits

If the employee is killed in a job-related accident, their spouse, children, or dependents may be eligible for survivor benefits.

Challenges a Federal Employee Can Face When Filing a Claim

Many federal employees have difficulties accessing the benefits they have a right to. Some of these challenges include:

• Delayed medical documentation

• Employer disputes

• Misunderstanding the forms or requirements

• Claim denials

• Lack of advocacy or legal guidance

Working with a workers compensation lawyer like those at Larrimer & Larrimer can help to ease the burden of filing for a claim and assisting with workers' compensation for international employees.

What to Do if a Claim is Denied

If a federal employee's claim is denied, there are a few options:

• Submit new evidence and request reconsideration

• Appeal the denial

• File a request with the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB)

The appeal process is complex and confusing, which is why so many people choose to work with a workers comp lawyer to help navigate the process.

Why Work With a Columbus Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Even though federal cases follow different rules than Ohio’s state system, a Columbus-based workers’ comp lawyer can still be an invaluable resource. A local attorney will understand how federal laws intersect with regional job markets, healthcare providers, and employers.

At Larrimer & Larrimer, the attorneys help injured federal workers:

• File forms correctly

• Collect and submit strong medical documentation

• Challenge denied claims or incorrect benefit determinations

• Navigate communication with the OWCP

• Protect against retaliation or unfair treatment

They have seen firsthand how frustrating and confusing this process can be. For more than 60 years, Larrimer & Larrimer has helped injured federal employees get the treatment, time off, and compensation they deserve.

For any federal employee in Ohio, including postal workers, TSA agents, and other public servants, they are entitled to workers’ compensation under FECA. Although the process is different from the state-run system, these workers still have rights.

These workers should not let the confusion and burden of filing claims derail their quest for compensation. Whether they are just starting the claim or dealing with a denial, the Columbus-based legal team at Larrimer & Larrimer is ready to stand by their side.

Contact Larrimer & Larrimer today for a free consultation.