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Tampa Workers' Compensation Lawyer > Blog > Workers' Compensation > Which Federal Employees Cannot File Workers’ Compensation Claims in Tampa?

Which Federal Employees Cannot File Workers’ Compensation Claims in Tampa?

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If you work for the federal government in Tampa, workers’ compensation claims can be challenging. Workplace injuries are difficult enough on their own, and the complexities of pursuing compensation as a federal worker can make this traumatic life event even more stressful. Fortunately, you do not have to navigate this process on your own – and a Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer can help.

Why Can’t Federal Workers File Workers’ Comp Claims Like Other Employees? 

Employees working in the private sector can turn to workers’ compensation, as their employers are required to obtain workers’ comp insurance to cover workplace injuries. However, federal workers do not have a private employer in the same sense. Instead, they are employed by the United States government. In effect, this means that they are employed by average American taxpayers.

As a result, injured federal workers cannot turn to the same insurance system as private-sector employees. Instead, they must turn to the government coffers for compensation. How does this work?

The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) 

Most federal workers in Tampa can turn to the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) for financial support after suffering injuries. This federal program covers a wide range of workers. Common examples include postal workers, border patrol workers, employees of the TSA, and employees of the VA.

Other agencies covered under FECA include DHS, FBI, IRS, DOJ, and EPA (to name but a few).

FECA offers similar benefits to the normal workers’ compensation program in Florida. Injured workers may receive up to two-thirds of their lost income after filing claims with either program. They also receive compensation for medical expenses. If a worker passes away in the private or public sector, they are also eligible for death benefits.

FECA Does Not Cover All Federal Workers 

Some federal workers are not covered under FECA. These include members of the military, certain federal maritime workers, and independent contractors. Members of the United States military can pursue disability compensation from the Veterans Administration. Civilian workers who suffer injuries while in American military bases could be covered under the Defense Base Act.

For federal maritime workers and seamen, the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act may provide financial security after on-the-job injuries. If you are an independent contractor working for a branch of the United States military, it may be challenging to pursue the compensation you need after an injury. Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for further guidance.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tampa Help Federal Workers? 

A Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help federal workers pursue compensation after workplace injuries. Although normal workers’ comp might not cover certain federal workers, they are still covered by various similar programs. To learn more about your options for compensation, schedule a consultation with The Franco Law Firm today.

Sources:

 dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/statutes/feca#8101

dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc/lsdba#:~:text=The%20Defense%20Base%20Act%20provides,works%20or%20for%20national%20defense.

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