Shelley K. COE

LAW OFFICE OF SHELLEY K. COE

Federal Workers Compensation Attorney
Representing Injured USPS & Federal Employees Nationwide

About Shelley K. Coe

Dedicated to Federal Workers’ Compensation

Shelley K. Coe has more than 15 years’ experience representing injured Federal employees, with a practice concentrating on Federal Workers’ Compensation.

Her focus is clear:

Helping injured Federal and USPS employees secure the benefits they are entitled to under the Federal Employee Compensation ACT (FECA). administered by the Federal Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).
By concentrating on Federal Workers’ Compensation, she has acquired a deep understanding of OWCP procedures, medical evidence requirements, and claim disputes.

A Practice Built On Focus And Experience.

That focus allows for:

Thorough understanding of the OWCP processes.
Attention to detail in claim development and defending entitlement to benefits.
Understanding how receipt of Federal Workers’ Compensation benefits affects other government benefits.
Practical guidance for injured Federal employees.

You Don’t Have to Fight OWCP Alone

If you are a U.S. Postal Service or federal employee injured on the job and your OWCP claim has been delayed, denied, or cut off, you are not alone-help is available.
Shelley K. Coe has spent more than 15 years representing injured Federal employees, with a focus on Federal Workers’ Compensation claims under FECA.

This firm’s focus is clear: Helping injured Federal and USPS employees obtain the benefits they are entitled to under the law.

A Narrow, Focused, Practice. Real Experience.

Federal workers’ compensation is not the same as state workers’ compensation. It is governed by federal law, strict regulations, and OWCP procedures that many attorneys never deal with.
The Law Office of Shelley K. Coe focuses almost exclusively on:

FECA claims

OWCP disputes

USPS injury cases

This exclusive focus allows for deep knowledge of the system — and how to navigate it effectively.

As a result of this focus, Shelley K. Coe knows the FECA/OWCP system and how to navigate it effectively on behalf of her clients.

Extensive Experience with USPS Employee Injuries

Postal workers face unique challenges:
• Delays and denials of OWCP benefits

• Repetitive stress and overuse injuries
• Management pressure to return to work
• Disputes over light/duty modified job assignments

The Law Office of Shelley K. Coe. has experience representing USPS employees over the years, including carriers, clerks, mail handlers, and processing plant workers. Ms. Coe has also represented employees in many other federal agencies such as V.A., TSA, and HUD.

Common OWCP Problems We Handle

If any of the following apply, it is time to seek guidance:

Claim Denied by OWCP

Federal Employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses are entitled to benefits through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). However, navigating the OWCP claims process can be complex and frustrating. We frequently hear from federal employees whose claims have been denied even after they provided medical support for their claim and answered all requests from OWCP for details of the injury.

Understanding the reasons why OWCP denied your claim and what to do about it is crucial to a successful appeal. The Law Office of Shelley K. Coe can identify and address the reasons for claim denial, including disputes over facts and medical causation.

Wage Loss Benefits Terminated, or Threatened

OWCP wage loss benefits (Form CA-7) are commonly delayed due to missing medical evidence, lack of an established causal relationship, or agency delays, Termination of benefits often results from failing to properly document ongoing medical conditions and disability, refusal to accept suitable work or findings of medical recovery by OWCP even when a treating physician says the injured employee cannot work.

Shelley K. Coe can help ensure that medical evidence issues are managed properly, and that causal relationships and work capacity are properly explained and documented.

Medical Treatment Delayed or Denied

Proper medical treatment is essential to recover from your injury. Delays in authorization of treatment happen more often than they should even for essential services like physical therapy or getting an MRI. Delay in treatment can also delay the approval of your claim.

When OWCP denies medical treatment, it may be due to a lack of medical evidence linking the treatment to the accepted injury, the use of an unauthorized provider, billing errors by your physician’s office, or simply a mistake by OWCP. Challenging these denials may require detailed medical reports from your doctor to establish why the treatment is needed and how it relates to your work injury.

Disputes Over Work Restrictions, Job Offers and Limited Duty

If you are presented with a job offer to return to work after an injury, it is essential to know your obligations and your rights. Simply put, an injured worker is obligated to accept work they are capable of performing. OWCP has specific rules and procedures for job offers and returns to work. If your refusal to accept a job offer is not justified under OWCP’s procedures, you can permanently lose your benefits.

Attorney Shelley K. Coe can help you navigate this challenging process and protect your rights. We urge every injured worker who is uncertain about a job offer to seek legal advice or advice from a union representative. Further, in order to protect your entitlement to benefits, it is our opinion that you should never turn down a job offer without proper advice.

Confusing OWCP Paperwork and Deadlines

Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) system is notoriously frustrating for federal employees. To make matters worse, federal employees are often misinformed – or not informed at all —about the procedures to follow, and the benefits available to them. Incorrect or incomplete filings and lack of medical treatment can lead to denied claims and delay your recovery from your injury. Shelley Coe can make certain that your claim is properly supported.

Claim Denied by OWCP

Federal Employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses are entitled to benefits through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). However, navigating the OWCP claims process can be complex and frustrating. Understanding the reasons why OWCP denied your claim and what to do about it is crucial to a successful appeal. The Law Office of Shelley K. Coe can identify and address the reasons for claim denial, including disputes over facts and medical causation.

Wage Loss Benefits Terminated, or Threatened

Termination of Benefits (medical and/or wage loss payments) by OWCP can result from failing to properly document ongoing medical conditions and disability, refusal to accept a job offer that OWCP deems “suitable,” or after an OWCP “Second Opinion” or “Referee” doctor finds an injured worker has recovered from the injury. Termination of benefits can happen due to mistakes by OWCP. We urge you to contact us if you are dealing with this situation.

Medical Treatment Delayed or Denied

Proper medical treatment is essential to recover from your injury and return to work. Delays in authorization of treatment happen even for basic services like physical therapy or getting an MRI. Delays in treatment can also hurt or delay your claim because crucial medical information is not available. OWCP denies medical treatment for many reasons, which can include: a lack of medical evidence linking the treatment to the accepted injury, billing errors by your physician’s office, or your agency failing to give you proper authorization documents.

Disputes Over Work Restrictions, Job Offers and Limited Duty

If you are presented with a Job Offer to return to work after an injury, it is essential to know your obligations and your rights. Simply put, an injured worker is obligated to accept work they are capable of performing. OWCP has specific rules and procedures for job offers and returns to work. If your refusal to accept a job offer is not justified under OWCP’s procedures, you could permanently lose your benefits. Attorney Shelley K. Coe can help you navigate this challenging process and protect your rights.

Confusing OWCP Paperwork and Deadlines

Navigating the Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) system is notoriously frustrating for federal employees. Federal employees are often misinformed – or not informed at all —about the procedures to follow, and the benefits available to them. Incorrect or incomplete filings and lack of medical treatment can lead to denied claims and delay your recovery from your injury. Legal advice can help you identify and address these problems.

Delays and Mistakes can be costly. Early intervention often prevents long-term problems.

Serving Michigan and Federal Employees Nationwide

•Office located in Novi, Michigan
•Representing federal employees throughout Michigan and all states

Federal workers compensation claims are governed by federal law, allowing representation nationwide.

Free, Confidential Consultation

Explore Our FAQs:

Frequently Asked Questions

Injured postal and federal workers nationwide rely on our focused experience

What should I do if I am injured while working as a federal employee?

Report all on-the job injuries to your supervisor and get medical attention right away-even for minor injuries. Do not turn down the opportunity for medical treatment immediately after an injury - in most cases you will need to give your agency medical documentation within 10 days. For a traumatic injury, be sure to file a claim within 30 days to protect your right to the “Continuation of Pay” benefit. Occupational illnesses or diseases have different timelines and requirements. Please understand that reporting your injury is not the same as filing a claim, which requires additional action by the injured worker.

How do I file a claim?

Use Form CA-1 for a specific traumatic injury (single event) and CA-2 for occupational diseases or illnesses that develop over time. File a claim electronically in the OWCP’s “ECOMP” system at www.ecomp.dol.gov, or on a paper form you can get from your supervisor, your union, or download online at www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/regs/compliance/forms. If you use a paper form, keep a copy, and get a receipt. Follow up with your supervisor and confirm it is also submitted to your agency’s Occupational Health department and OWCP, whether electronically or otherwise, and get verification.

Do I need a lawyer for an OWCP claim?

Legal representation is not a requirement. Seeking advice about your claim helps you understand how to best respond to OWCP requests for information and documentation, and often, will help you decide whether you want to have legal representation. Many OWCP claimants are unrepresented. However, if your claim has been denied, or delayed, or you have to response to a Job Offer, or OWCP has proposed to reduce or terminate your benefits, legal guidance is often critical.

What if my OWCP claim was denied?

Denials are common. Many denials can be successfully challenged with proper medical evidence and documentation. A legal consultation helps you know what type of appeal to file, and what evidence is needed to maximize your chance for a successful appeal outcome. This is especially true if you believe that you submitted all possible information to OWCP, and your claim was still denied.

How much does it cost?

We offer free Initial Consultations. Fee arrangements are discussed clearly during the consultation. All agreements for representation include fee information and are in writing.

I already filed paperwork — can you still help?

Yes. Legal review helps identify problems with your claim before OWCP makes a decision. After the claim is approved, legal advice can be crucial, for example: if you expect to be off work more than 45 days - if your injury will prevent you from returning to your regular job duties even after you heal -if OWCP is sending you to a SECOND OPINION or REFEREE examination- and more.

Testimonial

What our Customer Say

Monica Johnson

Frequent Traveler

Booking through EDK was the best decision. The team handled every detail for our group, and the entire experience was smooth and stress free.

Sarah Williams

Frequent Traveler

Booking through EDK was the best decision. The team handled every detail for our group, and the entire experience was smooth and stress free.

David Smith

Frequent Traveler

Booking through EDK was the best decision. The team handled every detail for our group, and the entire experience was smooth and stress free.

OWCP Updates

Answer the questions they’re afraid to ask. Plain, honest answers build trust fast.

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You deserve straight answers not guesswork.Call today to discuss your OWCP claim.

LAW OFFICE OF SHELLEY K. COE

Federal Workers Compensation Attorney
Representing Injured USPS & Federal Employees Nationwide

About Shelley K. Coe

You Don’t Have to Fight OWCP Alone