For Federal Employees
What to Do If You're Injured at Work
When a Federal Employee is injured at work, the timing and method of filing differ depending on the type of injury. Here's the playbook for both — traumatic injury (CA-1) and occupational disease (CA-2).
Two Types of Federal Work Injuries
There are two kinds of injuries under FECA, and the form you file depends on which one you have:
CA-1
Traumatic Injury
An injury that occurred in one shift — a fall, a lifting injury, a vehicle accident on duty, a needlestick. A single, identifiable event.
CA-2
Occupational Disease
An injury that occurred over more than one shift — usually over time, from repetitive overuse. Carpal tunnel, rotator cuff tendinitis, hearing loss, back deterioration from years of lifting.
CA-1 Guidelines: Traumatic Injury
- 1
Inform your supervisor immediately.
- 2
Ask your supervisor to authorize medical treatment using Form CA-16. Take this form with you when you go to the Emergency department or when you see any physicians. Emergency medical treatment can be obtained without prior authorization.
- 3
If disabled and unable to work, you must submit medical evidence supporting your disability to your employing agency within 10 workdays to be eligible for Continuation of Pay (COP).
- 4
Seek medical care and treatment from medical providers enrolled with OWCP.
- 5
Go to ecomp.dol.gov, register for an account, and fill out a CA-1 Claim Form as soon as possible. It must be done within 30 days of injury — the sooner you do it, the sooner your claim can get reviewed and accepted. Once you complete your portion, it will be forwarded to your supervisor.
- 6
As long as you have filed your CA-1 within 30 days of injury and submitted medical evidence supporting your disability to your employing agency within 10 workdays, you are eligible to submit a claim for Continuation Of Pay (COP), which pays your salary for up to 45 days while you are recovering.
- 7
If you are disabled and cannot return to work for more than 45 days, you must file a claim for compensation using Form CA-7.
CA-2 Guidelines: Occupational Disease
- 1
Inform your supervisor.
- 2
Go to ecomp.dol.gov, register for an account, and fill out a CA-2 Claim Form. Once you complete your portion, it will be forwarded to your supervisor.
- 3
Seek medical care and treatment from medical providers enrolled with OWCP.
- 4
If you are disabled and cannot work, you can only get compensated after your claim has been accepted.
We Understand This Can Be a Confusing Process.
If you need help at any time, feel free to contact our offices. We file your claim with you. Free. No out-of-pocket. No referral required.
Contact Our Offices
OWCP Docs / Federal Injury Centers of Brooklyn
640 Parkside Avenue, Suite 201Brooklyn, NY 11226www.owcpdocs.com
OWCP Docs / Federal Injury Centers of Long Island
99 Sunnyside Boulevard Extension, Suite 102Woodbury, NY 11797www.owcpdocs.com
Related
- The Full OWCP Filing Guide — the deeper 6-step playbook.
- OWCP Forms (CA-1 → CA-20) — every form, who files it, when, common mistakes.
- OWCP FAQ — answers to the questions injured federal workers ask most.
- About Dr. Steven Moalemi, MD, FAAPMR — your OWCP-credentialed physician.