The first thing you’re required to do is inform your employer by providing them with official notice regarding your injury. Please note that this notice should be given within 10 days of you having learned of or sustained this injury. However, this reporting requirement is not a barrier to filing a claim if you miss it.  Next, you want to make sure you seek immediate medical attention, and as you do so, complete forms CA-1 or CA-2: the first one should be completed by those that sustained traumatic injury, while the second, individuals who sustained or developed an occupational disease.

As you seek medical treatment, make sure the entire process is backed up by objective medical treatment from a doctor (not a physician’s assistance), and if there were any workers who witnessed your injury or were privy to your occupational disease, ask them to write a witness statement.

Next, the submit form CA-1 or CA-2 will be sent to your employer, who will then submit their portion to OWCP for review. OWCP will consequently determine if you are eligible for injured federal worker benefits. Please note that should OWCP reject your claim, we can help you appeal the decision to get your case accepted.