If you filled out our contact form but haven’t made the decision on whether or not you’d want us to represent you in your federal workers’ compensation or FERS disability claim, you’re not alone: many injured or unwell federal workers may hesitate to move forward with a claim due to the many myths and misconceptions about the process, and we’re here to demystify them.

The Law Offices of McCready Law has been representing injured federal workers for over two decades, and we’ve heard it all: from the misconception surrounding lawyer’s fees, to the myth that you can only be compensated if you’re a USPS worker with a physical injury, and so on – blame the internet discussion forums and social media for the confusion! Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the land of all things workers’ compensation so you can be armed with enough information to help you make the decision to reach out to us once and for all.

Myth 1: I’ll Lose My Job if I File a Claim

Truth 1: The fact is that your rights as a federal worker are protected under FECA legislation, passed at the turn of the last century which lays out the compensation process, who is eligible, and which agencies handle the claims process depending on whether or not the injury or occupational illness is permanent.

In addition, the Whistleblower Act, or WPA ensures your job security as it makes it unlawful for employers to take adverse action against federal employees who disclose information that goes against the law, such as negligence which led to your injuries. In addition, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prevents and makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals with disability within federal service, thereby protecting the rights and benefits of those who suffered a disabling injury while working for the USPS or any other federal agency. However, you must still comply with your employment contract while navigating the process to protect your rights. 

Myth 2: Hiring a Federal Workers’ Compensation Attorney is Expensive

Truth 2: What a lot of injured or sick federal workers don’t realize is that attorneys only get paid for the hours they actually work on your case.  Attorneys are not entitled to a percentage of any recovery. Contact us at 312-444-0214 for more information on this.

Myth 3: If I Don’t Have a Serious Injury, I Can’t File a Claim

Truth 3: Injuries vary in their severity and prognosis, and just because you never got mauled by a dog while delivering mail or didn’t get into a car accident due to another driver’s negligence or your own fatigue on account of being overworked doesn’t mean that you don’t have a valid claim.

What most injured USPS and other federal workers don’t realize is that even the smallest injuries can balloon into chronic health conditions if not treated in a timely manner. For example, a sprain can lead to tendonitis if not treated properly and promptly. In addition, mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, migraines, bipolar disorder and epilepsy which may have been manageable a decade ago when you started working for the federal government often get worse as one ages, and as a result, may significantly impact your ability to perform at a certain level at work. Mental health conditions are absolutely compensable as long as you are able to demonstrate causation or aggravation. 

Lastly, occult conditions, which are conditions which may not be apparent until much later such as carpal tunnel, gradual hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud noise can significantly drive down your work performance and quality of life, thereby qualifying you for compensation. 

Get Clear, and Get Help: We’re Here for You

As a federal worker, it is vital to understand these truths and not let them cheat you out of compensation. You have inalienable rights that no-one can take away during these difficult times. If you’ve been sitting on your hands and putting off reaching out to us due to these and other myths, it would be wise of you to rethink your decision and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. 

If you’re looking to become a first-time applicant, or are dealing with a denial, we’ve got your back: please give us a call at 312-444-0214. Thanks for trusting us with your federal workers’ compensation claim, and let’s help you finally get to the finish line as far as your injury or application for FERS disability compensation is concerned.