Silver Spring Federal Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Lawyers Working With Federal Employees to File OWCP Claims in Silver Spring, MD

Employees who work for federal agencies in Silver Spring, Maryland may encounter various health concerns. Job-related injuries and health conditions can impact an employee’s ability to work. When this happens, workers may be entitled to compensation. Claims involving workplace injuries or work-related illnesses are administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), and navigating the application process can be challenging.

The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. has years of experience helping federal government employees address work-related health concerns and receive the proper benefits. We provide knowledgeable legal support during the workers’ compensation process, including assistance with initial claims and appeals. We are committed to helping federal workers in Silver Spring who are dealing with physical injuries, illnesses, or mental health challenges secure the benefits needed for their recovery and financial stability.

Work-Related Conditions and OWCP Benefits

A federal employee may be eligible for workers’ compensation if their medical condition has been caused, triggered, or aggravated by their job duties. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Workplace Injuries: Sudden injuries from a specific event or accident while working, such as a slip and fall, equipment malfunction, or vehicle accident, will usually be eligible for benefits.
• Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions: When work duties or a workplace incident exacerbate a previously diagnosed condition, such as worsening of an existing back injury or arthritis, workers’ compensation can address this issue.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Physical conditions may develop because of repetitive tasks. These may include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and chronic joint or muscle pain from prolonged activity.
• Occupational Illnesses: Illnesses or diseases may be caused by long-term exposure to harmful environments, such as respiratory issues from poor air quality, skin conditions from chemical exposure, or hearing loss from sustained noise.
• Psychological Conditions: A variety of emotional concerns may arise due to issues such as work-related stress or anxiety, including the difficulties of dealing with uncertainty regarding future employment, increased workloads after coworkers have been terminated, or PTSD based on workplace incidents.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Federal Employees

The workers’ compensation program includes benefits that are meant to address the immediate and long-term impact of a work-related medical condition. A federal worker may receive benefits such as:

• Continuation of Pay: When traumatic injuries occur, an employee may receive up to 45 days of continued pay at 100 percent of their previous wages being required to use sick leave.
• Partial Disability Benefits: If an employee can return to work but is restricted to reduced hours or a position that provides reduced pay, workers’ compensation will cover a percentage of the income lost due to this reduction.
• Scheduled Awards: Compensation for permanent partial disability involving specific body parts, such as loss of use of a hand, arm, leg, eye, or hearing, are calculated using a specific schedule and standard rates.
• Total Disability Benefits: If an employee is temporarily or permanently unable to perform any work duties due to their condition, they can receive wage-replacement benefits until they are no longer disabled or until their death. These benefits pay a percentage of the person’s pre-injury wages.
• Medical Benefits: Full coverage should be provided for all medical treatment related to the work-related condition, including surgeries, medications, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and travel expenses for care.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: An employee may receive assistance with job retraining and placement if they will not be able to return to a previous role due to their illness or injury.

Assistance With Workers’ Compensation Claims and Appeals

The federal workers’ compensation process involves strict deadlines and other requirements. A claim may be denied for a variety of reasons, including incomplete medical documentation or a failure to show that a condition was work-related. The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. helps workers in Silver Spring overcome these challenges by:

• Filing Claims: We can help prepare and submit the appropriate forms to OWCP along with all required documentation.
• Working With Medical Providers: We will obtain comprehensive documentation of an illness or injury, ensuring that this information establishes a direct link between the work environment and the medical condition.
• Answering OWCP Inquiries: We can handle requests for medical records or other documentation and ensure that all deadlines and requirements are met when submitting this information.
• Filing Appeals: We can ask the OWCP for reconsideration after a denial, and if necessary, we will pursue legal appeals with the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB).
• Long-Term Benefit Management: We can provide ongoing support for employees who have chronic or permanent conditions, helping to document their financial losses, assist with medical re-evaluations, and address any other concerns.

Contact Our Silver Spring, Maryland Federal Employee Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

As you address injuries or illnesses that have affected you as a federal employee, you should not try to face the complex workers’ compensation claim process alone. The Devadoss Law Firm, P.L.L.C. will work closely with you to make sure you can receive the benefits you deserve. Schedule your complimentary consultation by filling out an online contact form or calling our office at 866-460-0994.