Episodes

  • Woodshed Night: Navigating Workplace Injuries and Your Rights
    Oct 19 2024

    In this episode, Chris and Gini discuss the challenges federal employees face regarding workplace injuries, management's responsibilities, and the essential rights employees have under federal law. The hosts share real-life anecdotes to illustrate critical points about navigating the workers' compensation process effectively.

    Key Topics:

    • Workplace Safety: A story of a postal worker facing unsafe orders during a fire incident highlights the importance of understanding safety protocols.
    • OSHA Compliance: Discussion on how management often fails to comply with OSHA regulations and what employees can do to protect their rights.
    • Filing Workers’ Compensation Claims: Insight into the process for federal employees to file claims and the importance of acting promptly.
    • The Role of Unions: The impact of union representation in securing benefits and fighting for employee rights.
    • Continuation of Pay (COP): Explanation of employees' rights to COP and how to navigate disputes with management over pay during injury recovery.
    • Choosing Your Doctor: Federal employees’ right to select their healthcare provider and the implications of management directing them to specific doctors.

    Important Links:

    • Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA): Understand your rights and how to file a claim.
    • OSHA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with workplace safety regulations.
    • Federal Injury Centers: Find a center that can assist with your workers' compensation claims.

    Listener Questions:

    • What steps should I take if my supervisor refuses to fill out necessary forms for my claim?
    • How can I ensure I receive the proper medical treatment for my workplace injury?
    • What should I do if my claim gets denied?

    Key Words:

    • Federal employees workers' compensation
    • OSHA regulations for federal employees
    • Filing a workers' compensation claim
    • Continuation of pay (COP) rights
    • Federal employee safety protocols
    • Federal injury reporting process
    • Choosing a workers' compensation doctor
    • Understanding workers' rights in the federal sector

    Tune in:

    Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insights on federal employee rights and how to navigate the complexities of workers' compensation. Share this episode with colleagues to help raise awareness about important workplace issues!

    Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
    Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
    To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
    To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
    Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
    Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Fighting for Federal Employees: Inside the Battle for H.R. 618 and Workplace Rights
    Sep 27 2024

    In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the challenges faced by federal employees when it comes to workers' compensation claims. Tom, a passionate advocate and partner at Federal Injury Centers, shares his ongoing fight in Washington D.C. to push for the passage of H.R. 618 (The Walberg Bill) – a crucial piece of legislation that would empower nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify injury reports without needing an MD's countersignature.

    Tom also sheds light on the struggles federal workers face when dealing with uncooperative agencies, supervisors, and injury compensation specialists who often deny rightful claims. He discusses the importance of standing up for employees' rights, providing tips on how listeners can take action by contacting their U.S. senators and advocating for this bill.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • The Walberg Bill (H.R. 618) and its potential impact on federal employees
    • The roadblocks employees encounter when filing workers' compensation claims
    • How to contact senators and push for changes in federal injury reporting
    • The crucial role of unions in advocating for employees' rights
    • Stories of federal workers facing mistreatment, physical threats, and harassment at work

    Join the fight and learn how you can take action to support federal employees!

    #HR618 #FederalEmployees #WorkersRights #LobbyingForYou #FederalInjuryCenters #WorkersCompensation

    Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
    Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
    To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
    To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
    Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
    Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Navigating OWCP Claims: Insider Tips for Federal Employees (Q&A)
    Sep 20 2024

    Show Notes: In this episode, we dive deep into OWCP claims and how federal employees can better understand their rights and responsibilities. Chris and Gini discuss the process of filing claims, important distinctions between CA-1 and CA-2 forms, and the intricacies of schedule awards. Whether you're dealing with carpal tunnel, a back injury, or neck and shoulder pain, this episode offers valuable insights on how to successfully navigate the OWCP system, win grievances, and get your claims approved. They also emphasize the importance of working with knowledgeable case managers and federal injury centers to ensure you receive the compensation and medical attention you deserve. Tune in to hear about real success stories, recent developments in workers' compensation, and a sneak peek into the upcoming national OWCP convention.

    Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
    Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
    To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
    To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
    Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
    Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Fighting for Your Rights: Inside the Realities of Federal Worker’s Comp with Alicia Farley
    Sep 17 2024

    In this powerful episode of the Breaking Out Podcast, hosts Chris and Gini Helms sit down with Alicia Farley, an ex-Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employee and current advocate for injured federal workers. Alicia’s journey from being assaulted by an inmate to becoming a national subject matter expert on federal workers' compensation (comp) is nothing short of remarkable. Her story is a testament to the resilience and grit required to navigate the complicated world of federal work comp claims, where only 14% of claims get approved.

    Key Highlights:

    • Alicia's Personal Story of Trauma & Resilience
      Alicia recounts the harrowing assault she faced while working in a federal prison, leaving her injured and without immediate guidance. She had to teach herself how to file her own federal work comp claim, an experience that led her to become a steward for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Eventually, she became the go-to expert for helping others facing similar struggles.
    • Federal Injury Centers Partnership
      Alicia talks about how teaming up with Federal Injury Centers allowed her to bring her expertise to a broader audience. Together, they offer a much-needed lifeline for federal workers navigating the painful and often discouraging world of injury claims.
    • The Harsh Reality of Being a BOP Employee
      Working in federal prisons is not just a job, it's a fight. Alicia and the hosts shine a light on the physical and mental toll federal prison workers endure—long hours with heavy-duty belts, constant assaults, and the battle to get even basic workers' comp claims approved.
    • Why Workers Give Up (And Why You Shouldn’t)
      A shocking truth: many federal workers, particularly those in BOP, simply give up when their claims are denied. The uphill battle of filling out forms, facing harassment from supervisors, and navigating a complex medical system leads to burnout, depression, and even tragic outcomes. Alicia shares a heart-wrenching story of a young officer who committed suicide after his denied claim led him to despair. This loss drove her to commit even further to helping others.
    • Alicia’s 24/7 Commitment
      Alicia is a resource and lifeline, available from 9 AM to midnight, seven days a week, for federal workers in need. Whether it’s explaining the process to injured workers, acting as a buffer between patients and doctors, or helping to file complaints, Alicia is there every step of the way. Her dedication is unparalleled, and she’s the only person in the country offering this level of support in collaboration with Federal Injury Centers.


    Connect with Alicia & Federal Injury Centers:

    • Alicia Farley
      Available 7 days a week
      Call/Text: (352) 219-5647
    • Federal Injury Centers
      Phone: 877-787-06927
      FederalInjuryCenters.com

    Subscribe and Share:
    If you or someone you know works for the federal government and is struggling with an injury, don’t fight the system alone. Subscribe to the Breaking Out Podcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Catch our live training sessions on Wednesday nights with Chris and Jeannie, where we answer your pressing questions in real-time.

    Call to Action:
    Don’t wait for the system to beat you down. Reach out today for the help you deserve. And if you know someone in need, share this episode—you could save a life.

    Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
    Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
    To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
    To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
    Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
    Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

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    15 mins
  • Navigating Federal Work Comp: Essential Steps and Third-Party Injury Insights
    Sep 6 2024

    In this episode of the Breaking OWCP Podcast, hosts Chris and Gini dive deep into the critical steps every federal employee needs to take after a work injury. They share valuable insights on how to file a claim, the importance of selecting the right doctor, and how to avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your benefits.

    Key topics covered:

    1. Filing a Claim Properly: Detailed advice on how to file CA-1 and CA-2 claims, including the importance of reporting injuries immediately, writing detailed personal statements, and selecting a qualified doctor.
    2. Understanding Third-Party Injuries: What to do when you're involved in a third-party accident, like a car wreck on the job or a slip-and-fall. Chris and Gini break down why you should avoid local personal injury attorneys and instead focus on federal injury specialists to protect your benefits.
    3. The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Why every federal worker driving on the job needs comprehensive uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.
    4. Live Q&A: The hosts answer listener questions on mileage reimbursement, filing deadlines, and what to do if your claim gets denied.
    5. Fun Moments: A light-hearted discussion on unusual encounters federal workers face, from run-ins with animals like goats, bears, and alligators during their routes.

    Whether you're a USPS worker, a rural carrier, or any federal employee, this episode is packed with must-know information to protect your work comp rights and navigate the complexities of third-party accidents.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Federal Injury Centers
    • Eric Blowers & Carlos Saldivar (Federal Attorneys)
    • How to File Claims: Step-by-step guide to filing a CA-1 or CA-2 claim.

    Tune in for a lively and informative session that could save you from making costly mistakes!

    Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
    Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
    To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
    To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
    Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
    Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

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    47 mins
  • Navigating Federal Work Comp with Chris & Gini: Essential Tips and Live Q&A
    Aug 23 2024

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris and Gini share invaluable insights into federal workers' compensation, focusing on how to effectively navigate the system to get your claims approved. They discuss the role of Federal Injury Centers, the importance of selecting the right healthcare provider, and answer live questions from listeners about filing forms, managing long-term injuries, and more.

    Key Topics:

    1. Understanding Federal Workers' Compensation
      • Introduction to Federal Injury Centers.
      • How Federal Injury Centers operate similarly to franchises like McDonald’s but focus on multidisciplinary medical care.
      • Importance of selecting the right doctor for your federal work comp claims.
    2. Claim Approval Process
      • Common pitfalls in the federal workers' compensation process and how to avoid claim denials.
      • The significance of diagnosis expansion to include additional injuries in your claim.
    3. Filing Work Comp Forms
      • Step-by-step guidance on filing CA-1, CA-2, and CA-2A forms.
      • What to do immediately after a work-related injury.
    4. Q&A Session: Listener Questions Answered
      • How to pursue a schedule award and what it entails.
      • Managing long-term injuries and understanding the options available through OWCP.
      • Dealing with claim denials and navigating second opinion exams.
      • Practical advice on getting mileage reimbursement for medical visits.
    5. Upcoming Events & Training
      • Details about upcoming live training sessions in Orlando, Florida.
      • Announcement of the National CP Convention hosted by Chris and Gini on October 27th.

    Keywords: Federal workers' compensation, OWCP, Federal Injury Centers, CA-1 form, CA-2 form, diagnosis expansion, schedule award, work injury claims, claim approval process, multidisciplinary clinics, federal employee injury, work comp doctors, medical reimbursement, live training.

    Call to Action: Subscribe and follow us on all our social media channels to stay updated on our latest episodes and live training events. Share this episode with your colleagues and anyone dealing with federal work comp issues.

    Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
    Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
    To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
    To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
    Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
    Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Understanding the Intricacies of OWCP: Key Insights and Strategies of Scheduled Awards
    Aug 18 2024

    In this episode of "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini," we dive deep into the complexities of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Chris and Gini discuss the latest updates, common challenges federal employees face, and practical strategies to navigate the OWCP claims process effectively. This episode is a must-listen for federal employees seeking clarity and guidance on their rights and benefits.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • OWCP Basics: Understanding what OWCP is and how it impacts federal employees.
    • Recent Updates: The latest changes and updates in OWCP policies and how they affect your claims.
    • Common Challenges: Identifying and overcoming the common obstacles in the OWCP claims process.
    • Case Studies: Real-life examples of successful OWCP claims and lessons learned.
    • Practical Advice: Tips and strategies for filing and managing OWCP claims efficiently.
    • Q&A Segment: Chris and Gini answer listener questions about specific OWCP scenarios.

    Notable Quotes:

    • "Navigating OWCP can be daunting, but with the right knowledge, you can advocate for your rights effectively."
    • "Understanding the nuances of OWCP is crucial for ensuring you get the benefits you're entitled to as a federal employee.


    "OWCP, federal employee benefits, workers' compensation, OWCP claims process, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, federal employee rights, OWCP updates, OWCP case studies, managing OWCP claims, OWCP tips and strategies.

    Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
    Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
    To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
    To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
    Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
    Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Navigating Federal Employee Injury Claims: Strategies for Success (Training for OWCP)
    Aug 4 2024

    Episode Overview:

    In this special episode of Breaking OWCP, Chris Helms speaks at an APWU (American Postal Workers Union) conference, where he dives deep into the intricacies of navigating federal employee injury claims. Chris provides essential insights into overcoming the challenges that federal employees face when dealing with workplace injuries. This episode is packed with actionable advice & insights to help you successfully manage your claim within the OWCP (Office of Workers' Compensation Programs) framework.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Social Media Engagement: Discover how following our Facebook page, "Wednesday Night WQPT Chats with Chris and Gini," can provide you with live training sessions every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern. Even if you miss the live session, the videos remain available for your convenience.
    • Understanding Workplace Injury Statistics: With 14% of federal employees having accepted claims, there’s a significant gap in the system. Chris discusses the importance of reaching a 100% claim acceptance rate and why it's crucial for employees to overcome the fear of reporting injuries.
    • Reasons for Claim Denials: Learn about the common obstacles federal employees face, such as:
      • Fear of punishment or harassment from supervisors.
      • Lack of knowledge on how to properly initiate a claim.
      • Unqualified medical professionals leading to claim denials.
    • Legal Protections and Employer Responsibilities: Chris emphasizes the legal protections available to federal employees and the obligations of employers to comply with federal regulations, including:
      • Timely submission of injury-related forms.
      • Protection against harassment and intimidation.
    • Effective Injury Reporting and Documentation: The importance of immediate reporting and maintaining a paper trail through emails is discussed. Key points include:
      • Requesting Form CA-16 within seven days.
      • Understanding the 45-day coverage of Continuation of Pay (COP).
    • Navigating the Claim Approval Process: Tips and strategies to improve your chances of claim approval:
      • Obtaining comprehensive medical reports linking work activities to injuries.
      • Securing witness statements to strengthen your claim.
      • Utilizing E-comp accounts to manage your claim effectively.
    • Appeals and Reconsiderations: Don't lose hope if your claim is denied. Chris explains the process for:
      • Filing reconsiderations with new evidence.
      • Utilizing appeal options for denied claims.
    • Success Stories with Federal Injury Centers: Chris shares the success rates and strategies employed by Federal Injury Centers, boasting a 97% claim approval rate. Learn how the right support and knowledge can dramatically improve your claim’s success.

    Call to Action:

    • Connect with Us: Follow our Facebook page, "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris and Gini," to stay updated on live training sessions and resources.
    • Subscribe: Join our podcast community for ongoing support and updates on federal employee rights and workplace injury claims.
    • Contact Federal Injury Centers: If you need assistance with your claim or want to ensure you're taking the right steps, reach out to us for support and guidance

    Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
    Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
    To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
    To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com
    Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
    Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

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    59 mins