Civilian employees working on military bases or for the federal government often face dangerous work environments. This might be due to risks associated with the area where they work or the nature of their job. While getting compensation for these injuries can be complicated, a dedicated personal injury attorney can help.
The Defense Base Act is an extension of another federal law, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). It exists to provide benefits to injured workers who do not qualify under the LHWCA because of where the accident happened – including on bases all across the world. If you were hurt on the job, a Defense Base Act lawyer may be able to help you seek justice.
What is the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act has an important purpose—to provide civilians employed at U.S. military bases or otherwise working for the federal government with a path to compensation when they are hurt on the job. Without this program, these individuals are in the difficult position of not qualifying for either VA or workers’ compensation benefits. The Defense Base Act was passed to address that issue.
A claim under the Act can cover a wide variety of injuries, often involving damage to a specific body part like an arm, hand, eye, or leg. Other conditions might apply to the body as a whole, such as occupational diseases, psychiatric claims, or nerve damage.
Qualifying for Compensation Under the Defense Base Act
The purpose of the Defense Base Act is to provide compensation for workers who not qualify for benefits under the LHWCA due to working on military bases or overseas. The good news is that this act applies to many of those individuals. One of the most common situations where a claim is viable is when a civilian is injured while working for a private employer on a U.S. military base, either in the United States or abroad. Contractors who work for the federal government may also qualify.
There are some specific situations where the Act applies, including Americans who are working abroad to provide humanitarian relief, or individuals hurt while serving U.S. allies under the Foreign Assistance Act.
It may not be immediately clear if a person is qualified for compensation. One of the benefits of hiring a Defense Base Act attorney is having them review the facts and provide guidance on eligibility.
Available Benefits
The primary purpose of the Defense Base Act is providing injured workers with disability and medical benefits. These medical benefits cover the cost of treatment and care for injuries that are related to their employment.
Disability benefits are intended to replace a person’s wages when they are too hurt to work. In general, the award will equal two-thirds of the weekly average wage. There is a cap on the maximum amount a person can own, and there are also options for qualifying for partial benefits when someone is hurt but still able to work to a lesser degree. A Defense Base Act lawyer can answer specific questions about the potential for compensation.
Reach Out to a Defense Base Act Attorney Right Away
If you were injured working on a military base or for the federal government, your options for compensation can be limited if you are a civilian. The good news is that the Defense Base Act might provide you with a path forward.
These claims can be complex, making it crucial that you seek out an attorney who understands the system. Call a Defense Base Act lawyer from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris as soon as possible to discuss your options.
