Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Understanding Workers’ Compensation and Regulations for Public Employees

A different set of rules apply to government employees filing for unemployment benefits in San Diego, California. Federal employees follow federal laws, while local and state employees usually follow the state rules of private workers or special statutes. Some industries have their own set of regulations.

The Federal Employee Compensation Act pays loss of wage compensation and medical benefits to federal employees who become unable to work because of a work-related injury or illness. A survivor of a federal employee who died because of illness or injury may also be entitled to benefits. Employees can apply for benefits regardless of how long they have worked on the job or their position. In some cases, partially disabled workers can get vocational rehabilitation through Office of Workers Compensation Programs.

Several employment laws allow special kinds of workers to apply for benefits. Employees injured in interstate transportation jobs, such as railroad accidents, can file claims under the Federal Employee Liability Act. Maritime workers may get compensated under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act. Some other special statutes include Death on the High Seas Act, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and Defense Base Act, which covers employees working on bases or housing projects out of the U.S.

State Workers’ Compensation Statutes determine if state or local employees qualify for coverage or qualify under another regulation. The employee’s place of employment should have a poster detailing the mandatory workers’ compensation, which some states require to be posted. The poster commonly gives contact information on where and how to file claims, or the employer can get the information from the employer.

Sometimes, employers will try to get out of paying legitimate claims. A lawyer who has knowledge of employee rights could help clients prove their claim or determine if they have a case.

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