Hey everyone, I’m active duty Navy and currently on temporary assignment at the Naval Postgraduate School. I got an electric shock in one of the classrooms and had to go to the ER. It was super painful, and I’m still kind of shaken up by the whole thing. Luckily, no heart issues or anything, but I feel like the environment wasn’t safe. I reported it to my superior and have all the medical records documented. Just wondering—can I get compensation for something like this? Has anyone dealt with a similar situation?
Ouch, that sounds rough! I think since you reported it and have the documentation, you might be able to file a claim. Did you check if it falls under FECA or something similar?
Harlem said:
Ouch, that sounds rough! I think since you reported it and have the documentation, you might be able to file a claim. Did you check if it falls under FECA or something similar?
What’s FECA? I’m not familiar with it.
Harlem said:
Ouch, that sounds rough! I think since you reported it and have the documentation, you might be able to file a claim. Did you check if it falls under FECA or something similar?
It’s the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. It covers injuries sustained while on duty, but IDK how it works for active duty military.
Harlem said:
Ouch, that sounds rough! I think since you reported it and have the documentation, you might be able to file a claim. Did you check if it falls under FECA or something similar?
Oh, got it. I’ll look into that—thanks for the heads-up!
Did anyone else see it happen? Witnesses could help if you’re making a case about unsafe conditions.
Sorrell said:
Did anyone else see it happen? Witnesses could help if you’re making a case about unsafe conditions.
Yeah, there were a couple of people in the room. Should I ask them for statements?
Sorrell said:
Did anyone else see it happen? Witnesses could help if you’re making a case about unsafe conditions.
Definitely. A witness statement could support your claim if negligence is involved.
Do you have photos of the area where it happened? If there’s visible evidence of a hazard, that could help.
Cale said:
Do you have photos of the area where it happened? If there’s visible evidence of a hazard, that could help.
I didn’t think to take photos right after, but I can go back and check the classroom. Is that okay?
Cale said:
Do you have photos of the area where it happened? If there’s visible evidence of a hazard, that could help.
Yeah, as long as it’s safe to do so. Pics of exposed wires or anything sketchy could be key.
Military doesn’t have workers’ comp like civilians do. You might need to go through your command’s process or consult a lawyer.
Tyler said:
Military doesn’t have workers’ comp like civilians do. You might need to go through your command’s process or consult a lawyer.
Makes sense. Any idea how to start the command process?
Tyler said:
Military doesn’t have workers’ comp like civilians do. You might need to go through your command’s process or consult a lawyer.
Start by asking your superior about the steps. A military lawyer can help too.
Hope you’re feeling better! Have you heard back from your superiors yet?
Davin said:
Hope you’re feeling better! Have you heard back from your superiors yet?
Thanks, I’m doing okay. They just acknowledged my report so far, no real feedback.
Davin said:
Hope you’re feeling better! Have you heard back from your superiors yet?
Keep following up—it’s your right to get answers about this!