Established nearly a century ago, in 1927, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation act, or LHWCA, was designed to help maritime workers who suffer an injury or illness that causes them to miss work. It provides compensation for things like lost wages, medical benefits, and even rehab services to workers who encountered some problem that made it difficult, if not impossible, for them to continue working. Because of that, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act is a great resource to help make sure that hard working individuals will not have to worry about the ability to provide for their family if an accident takes place.
There are several aspects of the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act that may make it difficult for workers to get the money they need at times. For one, there is a three day waiting period before compensation kicks in, and for those with a tight budget, that might be a tough pill to swallow. Plus, LHWCA benefits can be paid through an authorized insurance carrier, adding another party and more difficulties to the process. Because of that, anybody who has gotten injured should contact a reliable lawyer with LHWCA knowledge to ensure the proper compensation.
For better or worse, the LHWCA is not the only thing in place to help protect employees. Though everyone realizes that the U.S. has a huge military presence in other countries, particularly in the Middle East right now, and some think that the number is too high, military personnel are not the only ones employed by the government abroad. In 2011, more than half of the DOD workforce in Afghanistan and Iraq was made up of contractors. This means that the government must offer protection in case contractors suffer injuries. As a result, the Defense Base Act was introduced. It provides worker’s compensation to workers outside of the U.S. on military bases who are under a contract for public works or national defense.
In addition to covering injuries, the DBA also provides compensation for the tragic instances that result in death. Benefits include funeral expenses up to $3,000 and survivors’ benefits, the amount of which will depend on the average weekly wages of their lost loved one. Unfortunately, many of the DBA rules and regulations are complex, so getting the proper compensation can be tricky. If you are having some trouble, contacting skilled and experienced Defense Base Act attorneys is a good idea. DBA lawyers can provide information and insights that help you make sure to receive the right benefits.
After suffering a work-related illness or injury, the last thing workers should have to worry about is their next pay check. Fortunately, talented attorneys and other professionals who specialize in LHWCA and DBA rules are able to help.