To All

I personally want to say something that many of you may not agree with - actually, I detest saying it...but, it needs to be said.

Individuals (lawyers, representatvie, etc) that know and understand the OWCP system much better than you or I and offer their knowledge (services) to injured employees usually do so as a means of income for themselves. This fact we should understand and respect.

These individuals, or businesses, usually would NOT be offering their knowledge if they were not seeking clients for their business - this should be fully understood and accepted. Almost nothing is free any longer, even though we would like it so.

There are those that do understand this system, as it applies to their own personal claim(s), that can provide much useful information and/or help for those of us that need it without cost - I offer my advice when I feel confident in my answer. I notice from our forum that others are kind enough to offer them opinions and advice as well...I deeply appreciate this...thank you.

But, the truth is...expert advice and guideance for an OWCP claim is hard to come by and certainly is not free - at least not free when your claim needs to be thoroughly studied in order to provide you an expert opinion.

Simple OWCP questions that require little or no investigation should not require a fee for answer - but, advice that requires study of your claim or FECA law research and provides important claim information for you will almost certainly always bear a fee of some sort.

I have long wanted to say these things so that new claimants would understand that help for their claim may bear a cost if the help is provided by a professional.

I DO NOT offer any OWCP advice for fee...NONE, never - simply because I am not a professional in this area and have no desire to be.

I will continue my attempt to provide you with an avenue where you may post OWCP questions and hopefully receive free advice or possibly contact with a professional that can help you. I am presently working toward this end and will continue to do so.

Please be careful as you surf various forums and the Internet in an effort to get OWCP answers and help. Make certain that the person or persons that offer you their services for a fee are a professional that can provide you with accurate advice and direction. Ask for and check their credentials.

Rick Owens
Postal Employee Network
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