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There are good federal compensation lawyers and there are some that are not too good. They are out there and can be relatively easy to find. The best way to locate these types of lawyers is to perform a google search. Use words such as [url="http://www.legaladvice.com.au"]Compensation lawyers [/url] or "federal compensation lawyers".

A federal compensation lawyer does not have practice law in your state. Since he/she deals with federal laws, which do not vary from state to state, it is entirely possible that your lawyer may practice law in a different state than of your residence.

Also keep in mind that there are very experienced individuals, who are not lawyers, that know as much about federal compensation as do lawyers who practice federal compensation. Just remember that being a lawyer does not mean he/she is well versed in federal compensation. This is not a subject that is taught in law schools.

Federal compensation lawyers are paid by the injured worker and there is no provision in the law that requires the government to reimburse an injured worker for payment of fees. The government strictly prohibits lawyers from taking these cases on a contingency fee (a percentage of what is recovered), but the government must approve an attorney fee before it is paid. If you are about to hire a lawyer to assist you and he/she tells you that they will accept a contingency fee as payment, I can assure you that you are about to hire a lawyer that in all likelihood will do you more harm that good.

Dealing with the government in federal compensation cases requires that your lawyer should be well versed in Social Security and OPM retirement law, as both seem to coexist with federal compensation law.

In this area of the law, it is best to have someone knowledgeable to assist, because your agency or OWCP will not help you. The only other viable option available is for you to learn this law and to represent yourself. However, there is an old saying "A person who represents himself, has a fool for a lawyer".

I am in the process of retiring after practicing this type law for 42 years. I do have a list of both lawyers and non-lawyers who practice in this area. It is not conclusive, but it can provide a good start. My email address is rafiabd@gmail.com. If you would like a copy, send me an e-mail before May 31, 2012, and I will send you a copy of this list.