Most employed people have the ability to claim workers’ compensation if they are hurt at work. For people who work for the federal government, in maritime positions or other capacities may be covered by special forms of workers’ compensation. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provides these benefits to people covered under the Defense Base Act. That coverage even extends outside of the United States.
Offshore coverage under the Defense Base Act
As explained by the U.S. Department of Labor, there are several groups of workers who may qualify for workers’ compensation while performing their jobs on foreign soil or in U.S. territories. Even people who are not citizens of the United States may qualify for these benefits should they meet the other criteria.
One of the groups covered includes employees who provide welfare or related services to members of the U.S. military in other countries or parts of the world through a U.S.-based organization. Workers performing their jobs offshore as part of a contract under the Foreign Assistance Act may also be eligible for workers’ compensation through the LHWCA.
Employees helping with public works contracts to the government during war or related to national defense may also be covered. Finally, a person working for a private company on property utilized by the government for military purposes, including a U.S. military base, may be covered.
If you would like to learn more about how you may be able to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured or become ill due to your work under the Defense Base Act, please feel free to visit the injured or ill employees’ assistance page of our Louisiana workers’ compensation website.
