Performance of Duty for OWCP Claims: Does Injury Location Matter?

One of the most common questions federal employees ask immediately after an injury is whether they’re still covered, even if the accident didn’t happen inside their office or facility. The short answer is yes: federal workers’ compensation isn’t limited to your primary worksite. What matters most is whether you were performing official job duties at the time you were injured.

Federal employees often work across multiple buildings on federal campuses and properties. Mail carriers spend much of their day in the community, delivering mail along their routes. Inspectors travel between locations. Administrative staff attend off-site trainings or meetings. Injuries in these environments can still fall squarely under OWCP coverage.

OWCP Claims – Coverage Follows the Job, Not the Building

If you were hurt while actively performing work duties, you may still meet OWCP qualifications, even if you were miles from your normal workplace; this can include driving a government vehicle or delivering mail along a route. It can include transporting equipment or attending an authorized off-site assignment.

For postal workers injured on the job, vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of injury. A crash while delivering mail is still considered an on-the-job injury because the activity itself (mail delivery) is a core job function.

Travel and “In the Course of Duty”

OWCP evaluates whether the injury occurred “in the performance of duty.” This phrase is key. If your activity was work-related and authorized, the coverage typically applies.

Driving between federal buildings, attending required training, making deliveries, conducting inspections, or traveling for official assignments may be covered by OWCP if the injury occurs during those duties.

Where OWCP Claims Can Get Complicated

Off-site injuries usually face more scrutiny because they require clearer proof that the activity was work-related. OWCP may examine travel authorization and duty statuses. They make more frequent requests for witness statements and medical timelines. Simply put, it’s harder to meet their criteria for off-site injuries than for an in-office injury.

That’s why documentation is critical to building a sound record that meets OWCP qualifications. Incident reports, supervisor notifications, and medical narratives must align to demonstrate that the injury occurred while performing official work functions.

Seeking Legal Guidance for Off-Site Injury Claims

Because off-site injuries can be questioned more aggressively, many employees choose to speak with an attorney early on in the process. Legal guidance can help ensure the injury is classified correctly/documented properly, and supported with the medical evidence OWCP requires.

An injury doesn’t have to happen inside your building to qualify. If you were performing your job, whether on the road, at another facility, or attending an authorized assignment, you may still be entitled to medical care, wage benefits, and long-term compensation under federal workers’ comp.

Please contact our team of experienced OWCP lawyers to learn more about OWCP qualifications and give us the details of your case.