On Tuesday, November 29, the U.S. House passed a bill that would overhaul the federal workers’ compensation program. The bill, HR 2465, is intended to give the federal government more power to catch those who cheat the system by working elsewhere while receiving workers’ comp, also known as double-dipping.
For federal workers who are killed or severely injured on the job, the new legislation allots up to $50,000 for a facial disfigurement and $6,000 for funeral expenses. In order to speed up the process to receive disability benefits, a physician assistant or nurse practitioner would be able to certify that a traumatic injury has led to a disability.
The unfortunate reality we know all too well in the U.S. is that terrorist attacks are a possibility. The House bill covers injuries resulting from a domestic attack as if it was a war-risk hazard and streamlines combat zone injury claims.
Under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), a disabled federal employee can receive two-thirds of his salary or 75 percent for those who have dependents. And while that payment is tax-free, he or she may also receive medical-related expenses. The bill had bipartisan support to update a program that has not seen any changes in nearly 40 years. The Senate has its own version of workers’ comp reform requiring federal workers retire when they turn age 65. Differences between the bills will have to be worked out.
Workers’ Compensation
Florida’s workers’ compensation program also allows a worker who is injured on the job or during the scope of his or her work to receive up to two-thirds of his or her salary if he or she is injured. The salary guarantee was designed to avoid protracted litigation by an employee. However, if a third party was involved in causing the injury, an action may be filed against that negligent party at the same time one receives workers’ compensation in the state. Farah & Farah has a team of Orlando worker’s comp lawyers dedicated to addressing workers’ comp issues. We will offer you a complimentary consultation if you have questions about your options concerning workers’ compensation, simply call (800) 533-3555.
Source: http://www.federaltimes.com/article/20111130/CONGRESS04/111300301/