If you’ve been injured on the job in Maryland, you likely have a lot of questions. Getting accurate answers to these questions is crucial, especially if you’re concerned that your claim may be denied. The U.S. Department of Labor offers answers to these frequently asked questions about federal workers’ compensation to ensure you can take the necessary steps in the event that an issue occurs.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In general, you have three years to file your claim. However, there are some variances between when the timeline starts. In the event you suffer from severe injuries, the timeline would begin the exact date the injury took place. In some instances, the effects would not be immediately evident. In this case, the timeline would begin whenever the worker realized they were injured. Regardless of how much time has progressed, it’s recommended that an employee file a claim.
Can I Change My Physician?
You may be required to see a specific physician after being injured. However, you can request a change of physician if you feel that your medical needs are not being sufficiently met. To request a change, you must put the specific reason in writing, as well as the name of your current physician and other essential information and send the notice to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Can I Be Recouped for Lost Wages?
If you’re on unpaid leave, you can make a claim for compensation. This requires submitting certain forms, such as the CA-7 Claim for Compensation. You may also be asked to submit a CA-7a Time Analysis Form (in the event there are gaps in the periods where wages were lost), as well as any supplemental documentation requested by the agency.