Postal workers face unique risks on the job. If you’re a USPS worker and have been injured while on the job, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. Navigating the federal workers’ compensation system can be complex.
A USPS workers’ compensation lawyer in Alpharetta can guide you through every step of the process, from filing your claim to appealing a denied case. With years of experience in handling USPS workers’ comp cases, we’re here to help you recover the benefits you deserve.
Contact our Alpharetta work injury lawyers today!
Do Postal Workers Get Workers’ Compensation?
Yes, postal workers are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). This law offers workers’ compensation benefits for civilian federal employees who are injured on the job or develop occupational diseases.
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) manages federal workers’ comp claims. The claims process for USPS employees can be complicated. An Alpharetta USPS workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate these federal guidelines, protect your rights, and meet all necessary deadlines.
Common Injuries for USPS Workers
USPS workers face various risks while performing their duties. Whether it’s delivering mail on foot or driving a postal vehicle, injuries can happen at any time. Some of the most common injuries that USPS employees experience include neck and back injuries, repetitive strain injuries, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and auto accidents.
The federal workers’ compensation system covers sudden accidents and occupational diseases. However, you must show that your condition is directly linked to your job.
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries are particularly common among postal workers who are required to lift heavy packages, bend frequently, or perform tasks that involve repetitive movements. Injuries to the spine, muscles, or nerves can result in long-term pain, limited mobility, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Many mail carriers and clerks are at risk of suffering from these types of injuries due to the physical demands of their jobs. A neck or back injury can be debilitating, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time off work.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are another prevalent type of injury among postal workers, particularly those who perform tasks that require frequent or repetitive motions, such as sorting mail or delivering letters and packages. These injuries develop over time and can lead to chronic pain, swelling, and numbness in the affected area. Common types of RSIs for USPS workers include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are an unfortunate reality for many USPS workers, particularly those who deliver mail in various weather conditions. Ice, snow, rain, or even uneven sidewalks and parking lots can create hazardous conditions for mail carriers. These accidents can result in broken bones, sprains, strains, or more severe injuries, including head trauma. Injuries from slips and falls can take a long time to recover from, and medical bills can quickly add up.
Dog Bites
Dog bites are a well-known hazard for USPS mail carriers. It’s not uncommon for dogs to become territorial or protective of their homes, leading to aggressive behavior when a postal worker approaches the property. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, such as puncture wounds, deep lacerations, infections, and even permanent scarring.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are another common cause of injury for USPS workers who are responsible for delivering mail by vehicle. Whether driving a postal truck or using a personal vehicle for work purposes, accidents on the road can result in significant injuries, including whiplash, fractures, and head trauma.
A USPS Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Alpharetta Can Help
Dealing with a workplace injury is challenging enough without the added stress of navigating the complex workers’ compensation claims process. That’s why having an experienced USPS workers’ compensation lawyer in Alpharetta can be invaluable.
Our lawyers understand the specifics of federal laws and can help guide you through each stage of the claims process. Whether you’re filing a new claim, appealing a denied claim, or dealing with medical paperwork, our legal team is here to support you.
Handling the Federal Workers’ Compensation Process
The OWCP claims process can be daunting, but with the help of an experienced Alpharetta USPS workers’ compensation lawyer, you can avoid mistakes and improve the chances of your claim being approved. A lawyer will assist you with filing your claim, gathering the necessary medical evidence, and meeting all required deadlines.
Communicating with Your Employer and the Insurance Company
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, you must communicate effectively with your employer and the insurance company handling your claim. A lawyer can help you understand what to say and what not to say, ensuring that your communication doesn’t jeopardize your chances of receiving benefits. Postal employers are required to notify the OWCP of injuries, and the insurance company will be involved in processing your claim and evaluating medical evidence. A lawyer can protect your interests during this often-complex process.
Appealing a Denied Claim
Unfortunately, many workers’ compensation claims are denied, and postal workers are not exempt from this. If your claim is denied or you receive a lower-than-expected compensation award, you have the right to appeal the decision. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the reasons behind the denial, gather additional evidence, and submit a compelling appeal. Appealing a denied claim can be a complicated process, but with the right legal support, you can improve your chances of having the decision overturned.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Do USPS Workers Get?
If you’ve been injured while working for the United States Postal Service (USPS), you may be entitled to federal workers’ compensation benefits through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). As federal employees, postal workers are covered under this program, which provides support for job-related injuries and illnesses, including medical treatment and wage replacement.
Medical Benefits
OWCP covers all reasonable and necessary medical care related to a work injury or occupational illness. For USPS workers, this may include:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices and supplies
- Transportation expenses for treatment
Wage Replacement Benefits
If a postal worker is injured on the job and unable to work, OWCP offers several types of wage replacement:
- Continuation of Pay (COP): For traumatic injuries, USPS employees may receive their full salary for up to 45 days while their claim is processed.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If the disability extends beyond the COP period, eligible workers can receive 66 2/3% of their regular wages, or 75% if they have dependents.
- Permanent Total Disability: If a postal worker is permanently unable to return to work, compensation may continue for life.
OWCP Schedule Award (Permanent Impairment)
USPS employees with a permanent impairment to a specific body part may qualify for a Schedule Award after reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This means their condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further.
Awards are based on:
- Affected Body Part: Each part has a set number of compensation weeks (e.g., an arm = 312 weeks, a leg = 288 weeks).
- Impairment Rating: A medical percentage that reflects the loss of function.
- Compensation Rate: Typically 66 2/3% of pay, or 75% with dependents.
Death and Survivor Benefits
If a USPS worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness, OWCP provides financial assistance to surviving family members:
- A surviving spouse may receive up to 50% of the worker’s salary.
- If there are dependent children, the total benefit may go up to 75% of the employee’s salary.
- OWCP also assists with funeral and burial expenses.
Contact Our USPS Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
If you are a USPS worker in Alpharetta and have been injured on the job, it’s important to get the legal support you need to navigate the workers’ compensation process. Our team at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta is dedicated to helping postal workers like you secure the benefits you’re entitled to under FECA. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact our Alpharetta USPS workers’ compensation lawyers today for a free consultation by calling 470-518-5026 or completing our online form.
