Over four thousand work-related accidents occurred in the United States in 2020. This number is a significant decrease from the previous year, but it’s still sky-high. This statistic shows how common work-related accidents and injuries are. Medical expenses tend to be extremely expensive, making it difficult for most Americans to get the healthcare they need and deserve. Fortunately, OWCP compensation can help you.
What Does OWCP Stand For?
OWCP stands for Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, and it is an agency under the U.S. Department of Labor, or DOL. The organization provides financial aid to employees who get injured on the job. The OWCP aims to:
- Make accurate and high-quality decisions regarding employee claims
- Assist workers with recovery, rehabilitation, and employment services
- Provide financial aid and benefits on time
- Support injured or sick workers to return to their work when feasible
If you sustain an injury or disease during work, you may want to contact the OWCP. However, please note that not everyone can benefit from the agency’s four programs. Statutes and regulations dictate who can qualify for worker’s compensation benefits and claims from the OWCP.
What Are The Programs Under The OWCP?
There are four programs handled by the OWCP, categorized per work industry. Each program provides wage replacement and healthcare services. Workers can also receive rehabilitation and therapy under these programs. Their dependents may also be included as beneficiaries.
However, the workers’ compensation programs don’t cater to everyone. They only serve employee groups that belong in the following categories:
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
The Energy Workers Program is headed by the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation or DEEOIC. The program compensates the following people:
- Current employees of the U.S. Department of Energy, or DOE
- Former employees of DOE
- Survivors of deceased DOE employees
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 requires compensation and benefits for its workers. It involves those who developed illnesses or died due to radiation exposure and contact with toxic substances. The rule applies to employees who contracted diseases while working for the DOE or its affiliated facilities and contractors.
Federal Employees’ Compensation Program
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Program, or FECA, is headed by the Division of Federal Employees, Longshore, and Harbor Workers’ Compensation, or DFELHWC. The program caters to those who work for the U.S. federal government, like in the following areas:
- Politics
- Legislative and judiciary
- Law enforcement
- Public health
- Science and engineering
Federal employees who get injured on the job can expect timely payment of their medical bills and provision of compensation. If your case is accepted, the program may grant your claims for wage loss. You can also expect the division to help you get back up on your feet, so you can return to work safely.
Longshore And Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program
The Longshore Program aims to provide for employees who suffer from injury or death while working across the navigable waters of the United States. The program functions under the following:
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)
- Defense Base Act (DBA)
- Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act
- Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
The workers’ compensation extends to employees working outside the United States. However, this only applies to civilians working on U.S. military bases or those under a U.S. contract.
Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation Program
The Federal Black Lung Program is headed by the Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation or DCMWC. They help employees under the Black Lung Benefits Act.
The act caters to coal miners who sustained an injury or died from pneumoconiosis. If the employee is deceased, the compensation will go to their survivors. Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that may result from inhaling dust abundant in coal mines. The lungs react to dust, inhibiting regular lung function. If you are a coal miner and develop a disease, do not hesitate to contact the DOL. As long as you meet the requirements and prerequisites, your claim for workers’ compensation should go through.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Blue Springs, MO
Work-related accidents and injuries can be costly. Your expenses do not stop with your treatment. They also involve the days you are incapable of working, preventing you from earning wages like you usually do. Fortunately, OWCP has programs to help you receive workers’ compensation, as long as you’re eligible.
Are you looking for a clinic that provides medical attention under workers’ compensation benefits in Blue Springs? Look no further than Core Medical Center. We have highly-trained medical and management teams providing top-notch professional and managerial care. If you want to know more about our services, you may call our friendly staff at (816) 427-0201. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation, you may use our secure online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
