How and When to File a CA-1 Form After a Work Injury: A Guide for Federal Employees

The CA-1 form is a Federal Employee's Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation. It's used by federal employees who have sustained a traumatic injury at work to report the injury and potentially claim benefits like Continuation of Pay (COP).

COP is a benefit that allows employees to receive their regular pay while disabled due to a work-related injury, but it's limited to 45 calendar days. The CA1 form should be filed within 30 days of the injury in order to claim COP.

A traumatic injury is defined as an illness, injury or injuries caused by an external force which occurs within one work day or one shift. Examples of traumatic injuries include: smoke inhalation from a fire; a car accident; lifting a heavy package causing a sprain, strain or herniated disc in the back, etc.

The CA1 form usually can be filed electronically at the Department of Labor website by using the ECOMP portal. An injured worker can also initiate a claim with a CA1 form by delivering the completed form to his or her supervisor and/or other designated person at the employing agency. The employee should obtain proof of delivery.

The facts of every case varies, but oftentimes traumatic injury cases are the easiest type to prove.

If an employee suffers a traumatic injury at work, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. The employee should give the treating doctor details regarding his or her job and job duties and details regarding the accident at work. The employee should also detail his or her symptoms and complaints as a result of the work accident.

The employee has the burden of proof to establish his or her claim. Claims must be supported by well-reasoned medical evidence proving cause and effect. Very soon after the accident, the treating doctor should complete a CA20 form and prepare a narrative report to support the claim.

The injured employee should file the CA-1 form and submit it with medical evidence if possible. If the medical evidence is not promptly available, the medical evidence should be submitted soon after the CA-1 is filed.

If the injury causes the employee to miss time from work, the medical report should indicate that the employee is disabled from working due to the job accident.