Many companies here in Louisiana and elsewhere in the country have government contracts. If your employer is one of them, you may find that you have the opportunity to work and live in another country. When you do, you may wonder what happens if you suffer a work-related injury. Instead of applying for workers’ compensation benefits, you would look to the Defense Base Act.
The act covers many of the same benefits that you would receive from the Louisiana workers’ compensation system. Your medical bills and lost income would be covered under the act. In addition, if you need rehabilitation or ongoing care for a disability, you may receive coverage as well. These benefits cover a variety of on-the-job injuries ranging from occupational hearing loss, back injuries and psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Working overseas on a public works project or a military installation provides you with numerous benefits. You may also get the opportunity to travel, depending on the circumstances. Knowing that you will be taken care of if you suffer an injury could make the opportunity even more attractive. Of course, just like any other claim for benefits after a work injury, obtaining what you need may not be as easy as hoped.
Instead, you may find the claims process complex and frustrating. You need the freedom to focus on your recovery. You could gain the ability to do so by seeking out the advice and assistance of a Louisiana attorney who understands the Defense Base Act and has knowledge and experience representing workers injured while working for the government overseas.
