The Injured Federal Workers Podcast

The Legal Podcast Network (LPN)
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The Injured Federal Workers Podcast is dedicated to helping federal employees understand and navigate the complex world of workers' compensation claims through the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Hosted by experienced attorneys, the show provides in-depth discussions on legal processes, common challenges, and strategic advice for successfully managing claims. With a focus on clarity and practical guidance, the podcast aims to empower listeners with the knowledge needed to secure their rights and benefits. Whether you're a federal worker facing a new injury or seeking to understand your rights, this podcast offers essential insights and support.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Understanding Schedule Awards for Federal Employees

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Injured Federal Workers Podcast, hosts Mitch Henshaw and Matthew Ferran delve into the intricacies of schedule awards under the Federal Employees Compensation Act. They explain what a schedule award is, who qualifies, and how it fits into the OWCP process. The discussion covers key eligibility criteria, including the necessity of a permanent impairment and reaching maximum medical improvement.  Mitch and Matthew also clarify misconceptions about receiving schedule awards while retired and the possibility of obtaining multiple awards for different body parts or increased impairment. They provide insights into the calculation process, emphasizing the importance of impairment ratings and the role of the AMA Guides. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of when and how to pursue a schedule award, ensuring they maximize their compensation rights as federal employees. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:42 – What is a Schedule Award? 01:26 – Qualifications for a Schedule Award 03:04 – Impact of Returning to Work on Awards 03:55 – Calculating Schedule Awards 05:27 – Importance of Impairment Rating 06:25 – Receiving Multiple Schedule Awards 08:11 – Awards Years After Injury 09:11 – Example of a Schedule Award Claim 10:47 – Timing for Considering a Schedule Award 11:48 – Occupational Disease and Schedule Awards About the Show: The Injured Federal Workers Podcast is a vital resource for federal employees navigating the complexities of workplace injury claims. Hosted by experienced attorneys, the show offers expert insights into the OWCP claims process, schedule awards, and other compensation-related topics.  With a focus on clarity and practical advice, the podcast empowers listeners to understand their rights and options, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve. Whether you're an injured worker or an advocate, this series provides the knowledge needed to effectively manage federal compensation claims. For more information, visit our website: https://ifwlawgroup.com/

    Understanding Schedule Awards for Federal Employees

  2. Oct 13

    Understanding How Third Party Claims Interact With Your OWCP Claim

    Episode Summary: In this episode of The Injured Federal Workers Podcast, host Erik Blowers, owner and managing attorney of Injured Federal Workers Law Group, is joined by attorney Rachel Gaskins to discuss the intricacies of third-party claims in conjunction with OWCP claims. They delve into the differences between these claims, emphasizing the importance of pursuing both to maximize benefits and comply with federal obligations. The episode covers common scenarios like car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents, highlighting the necessity of a well-coordinated legal strategy. Listeners will gain insights into the critical role of experienced legal counsel in navigating these complex cases, ensuring that federal employees receive the full spectrum of benefits they are entitled to. This episode is essential for federal employees seeking to understand their rights and options when injured due to third-party negligence. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:40 – Understanding Third-Party Claims 01:08 – Common Types of Third-Party Claims 02:22 – Concurrent OWCP and Third-Party Claims 03:40 – Importance of Pursuing Both Claims 04:42 – OWCP Benefits and Third-Party Claims 06:32 – Pain and Suffering Recovery 08:01 – Unified Legal Strategy 09:47 – OWCP Claim Standards 11:03 – OPM Disability Retirement 12:16 – Federal Government's Role in Settlements 13:23 – Mistakes in Pursuing Claims 15:12 – Challenges with Personal Injury Attorneys 16:15 – Coordinating Claims Effectively 17:43 – Unrecognized Third-Party Claims 20:16 – Importance of Coordinated Claims 21:05 – Credit Against Future Benefits About the Show: The Injured Federal Workers Podcast is dedicated to helping federal employees understand their rights and navigate the complexities of workers' compensation and third-party claims. Hosted by experienced attorneys, the show covers a wide range of topics, from OWCP claims to personal injury law, providing valuable insights and practical advice. With a focus on clarity and empowerment, the podcast aims to equip listeners with the knowledge they need to effectively manage their claims and secure the benefits they deserve. Whether you're a federal employee or someone interested in workers' compensation law, this podcast offers essential guidance and support. For more information, visit our website: https://ifwlawgroup.com/

    Understanding How Third Party Claims Interact With Your OWCP Claim

  3. Sep 29

    The Life of an OWCP Claim

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Injured Federal Workers Podcast, host Erik Blowers, managing attorney at Injured Federal Workers' Law Group, along with attorney Mitchell Henshaw, delve into the intricacies of OWCP claims. They discuss the crucial steps federal employees must take after an injury, including filing the appropriate CA-1 or CA-2 forms. The conversation highlights the importance of timely medical documentation and the challenges posed by OWCP's complex adjudication process. Erik and Mitchell also explore common pitfalls, such as agency challenges and the role of second opinion examinations, which can delay claim acceptance. They provide listeners with practical advice on how to navigate these hurdles effectively. This episode is essential for federal employees seeking to understand their rights and the processes involved in securing compensation for workplace injuries. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:34 – Filing OWCP Claims: CA-1 and CA-2 Explained 01:59 – Role of OWCP in Claim Adjudication 03:02 – Importance of Medical Treatment and Documentation 04:43 – Proving Occupational Disease Claims 05:58 – Challenges in Claim Acceptance 08:12 – Factors Affecting Claim Processing Time 09:42 – The Impact of Second Opinion Examinations 12:05 – Responding to OWCP's Requests for Information 14:19 – Post-Claim Acceptance: Next Steps 16:44 – When to Seek Legal Help 18:41 – Frustrations with the OWCP Process 20:15 – Conclusion About the Show: The Injured Federal Workers Podcast is dedicated to helping federal employees navigate the complexities of workers' compensation claims. Hosted by experienced attorneys, the show provides valuable insights into the OWCP process, offering practical advice and strategies to ensure fair treatment and compensation. Each episode breaks down legal jargon into understandable terms, empowering listeners to take control of their claims. Whether you're dealing with a traumatic injury or an occupational disease, this podcast aims to guide you through the legal landscape with clarity and confidence. For more information, visit our website: https://ifwlawgroup.com/

    The Life of an OWCP Claim

  4. Sep 15

    How Does OWCP Work in 2026?

    Episode Summary: In this episode of The Injured Federal Workers Podcast, host Erik Blowers, managing attorney of the Injured Federal Workers Law Group, is joined by attorney Mitchell Henshaw to demystify the complexities of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) for federal employees. They explore the intricacies of filing claims, the administrative hurdles faced, and the importance of timely action. Erik and Mitchell discuss the misconceptions surrounding OWCP claims, such as the belief that claims will settle or that having a medical diagnosis guarantees acceptance. They highlight the challenges posed by recent changes in OWCP's processing times and personnel shortages, which have led to significant delays. The episode underscores the necessity for federal workers to understand the OWCP process and seek timely assistance to avoid pitfalls. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the OWCP system effectively, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:10 – Meet Erik Blowers and Mitchell Henshaw 01:16 – Mitchell Henshaw's Background 02:19 – Understanding OWCP and Its Role 03:41 – The Non-Adversarial Process Myth 04:25 – Claims Acceptance and Lifetime Coverage 05:29 – Decision-Making in OWCP Claims 07:00 – OWCP's Mission and Legal Framework 09:01 – Changes in OWCP in 2026 12:18 – Misconceptions About OWCP 14:20 – Common Mistakes in the OWCP Process 20:11 – Importance of Understanding OWCP About the Show: The Injured Federal Workers Podcast is dedicated to helping federal employees understand and navigate the complex world of workers' compensation claims through the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Hosted by experienced attorneys, the show provides in-depth discussions on legal processes, common challenges, and strategic advice for successfully managing claims. With a focus on clarity and practical guidance, the podcast aims to empower listeners with the knowledge needed to secure their rights and benefits. Whether you're a federal worker facing a new injury or seeking to understand your rights, this podcast offers essential insights and support. For more information, visit our website: https://ifwlawgroup.com/

    How Does OWCP Work in 2026?
  • 4 Episodes

About

The Injured Federal Workers Podcast is dedicated to helping federal employees understand and navigate the complex world of workers' compensation claims through the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Hosted by experienced attorneys, the show provides in-depth discussions on legal processes, common challenges, and strategic advice for successfully managing claims. With a focus on clarity and practical guidance, the podcast aims to empower listeners with the knowledge needed to secure their rights and benefits. Whether you're a federal worker facing a new injury or seeking to understand your rights, this podcast offers essential insights and support.

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