Injured Veteran’s Administration Workers
If you work for the VA, especially in one of the administration’s medical facilities, the risk of injury can be significant. You may get hurt lifting a patient or suffer a physical injury when a mentally unstable resident lashes out. If you are unable to work because of your injury, you can seek reimbursement of lost wages and medical expenses under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA).
The Benefits Available under the Federal Employees Compensation Act
As an injured federal employee, you have the right to certain benefits, as set forth in FECA:
- Lost income/wages—You have the right to compensation for any wages lost because of a workplace injury, compensated at 66% of your average weekly wage (AWW) for the last 52 weeks. This generally applies only to temporary disabilities.
- A “schedule award” for permanent injuries—If your injury is permanent, you have the right to a lump sum payment.
- Medical expenses—All reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred because of your injury or illness will be either paid or reimbursed.
- Continuation of pay benefits—In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, you may be entitled to “continuation of pay” benefits for up to 45 days after a traumatic injury without having to take sick leave or annual leave.
Ensuring that Your Medical Expenses are Covered
The federal workers’ compensation program is administered by the Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP), which is charged in part with ensuring that only “reasonable and necessary” medical expenses are paid. Accordingly, the OWCP may require documentation before certain expenses will be covered. Any medical care that is not emergency care may require pre-approval, and the OWCP will generally require that treatment be with a pre-authorized physician.
Contact Uliase & Uliase
For an appointment with an experienced New Jersey federal workers’ compensation lawyer, contact us online or call our office at (856) 310-9002. We meet with clients weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We offer a free consultation for injured workers.
