Employers across the country, for the most part, are required to offer workers’ compensation benefits to their employees in the event of injuries or deaths that occur while on-the-job. Such benefits can be a great help to employees and their families if the need arises to use them. This is true regardless of whether one works for a private firm or the government. However, for employees in California or elsewhere, government workers’ compensation laws are a bit different than those for private employers.
The type of government job one has will determine whether federal or state laws are used when determining workers’ compensation. Federal employees and others in very specific occupations are subject to federal regulations. The Federal Employment Compensation Act, or FECA, protects these employees and allows them to recover losses in the event of injury or disability. It also allows family members to collect in the event of employee death.
So, which jobs and injury types are covered under FECA? FECA covers all civilian employees of the United States — with a few exceptions. There is also legislation that provides workers’ compensation benefits to certain volunteers. When it comes to injuries, FECA covers various injury types, including diseases caused by one’s job. However, injuries that occur due to one’s own willful misconduct, intent or intoxication may not be covered.
There is a specific process that must be followed when filing for federal government workers’ compensation benefits. There is also a time limit to file which is currently set at three years. As numerous obstacles may present themselves in trying to obtain fair and full compensation following work-related injuries or deaths, California residents in federal government jobs and their families can seek the assistance of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys who will work diligently to help them get the relief they need.
Source: FindLaw, “The Federal Employment Compensation Act“, Accessed on July 20, 2016