If you have been injured on the job as a civilian on a U.S. military base outside of the United States, you may be covered by the Defense Base Act. Getting compensation for your lost wages and medical expenses can seem overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with a major injury. An Alabama Defense Base Act lawyer can help you apply for benefits and get all the compensation you are entitled to. Working with an attorney can make the process less stressful and help you avoid mistakes that can slow down your claim.
What Is the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act requires workers’ compensation for certain civilian employees who work on military-related projects outside of the U.S. These include employees of private companies that operate on international U.S. military bases, contractors for U.S. government agencies, and civilians who provide support services for members of the armed forces. Benefits can be available for any injuries that happen in the course of the person’s employment, even if they occur outside of regular work hours.
The Act provides medical, disability, and death benefits. Medical benefits pay for the injured worker to receive any care their injury requires from a doctor they choose. Disability benefits cover two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly pay. This can be temporary or permanent, and partial disability benefits for employees who need to work reduced hours or in a lower-paying role are also available. If an employee dies on the job, their surviving family members can receive death benefits, which are half the employee’s wage for one beneficiary or two-thirds of their wage for two or more beneficiaries. Long-term payments like permanent disability and death benefits will be subject to yearly cost of living adjustments.
How Can an Injured Person From Alabama Get Compensation Through the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. It does not provide benefits directly. The Act requires the employer to report the injury to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) at the Department of Labor within 10 days. This is done on Form LS-202, which can be filed online, by fax, or by mail. If the injury requires urgent treatment, this can happen before submitting the form.
The employer also needs to file a formal claim for benefits within one year of the injury. If the employer, employee, and insurance company agree on how much compensation should be provided, these are the only steps required. If there are any disagreements, the OWCP will hold an informal conference to try to negotiate a deal. If this is unsuccessful, the injured worker can ask for a formal hearing before the Office of Administrative Law Judges.
Discuss Your Alabama Case With a Defense Base Act Lawyer Today
Civilian employees of military-related companies or agencies who are working abroad fall under a specific law for workers’ compensation. If you were seriously injured at work or your loved one died from a workplace injury, understanding this law can be essential. A Defense Base Act lawyer can help someone in Alabama get the compensation they deserve so you can focus on your health instead of your financial concerns. Contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris to discuss your case now.
