The War Hazards Compensation Act – OWCP Attorney

The War Hazards Compensation Act sets employee benefit standards consistent with the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. All U.S. government contractors and subcontractors are required by federal law to obtain workers’ compensation coverage for civilian employees who work overseas. The War Risk Hazards Compensation Act provides full federal reimbursement of contractor costs for injury or death claims related to “war-risk hazard” pursuant to a workers’ compensation claim. The main purpose of the War Hazards Compensation Act is to shift the costs of overseas workers’ compensation from contractors and subcontractors to the United States government.

If you or a family member meets the criteria for an overseas workers’ compensation claim under the War Hazards Compensation Act, contact the Law Office of Robert W. Nizich and arrange a free case consultation. Our experienced Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) attorney can maximize your claim.

• War Hazards Compensation Act - Coverage and Benefits
• Qualifications
• Overseas Workers' Compensation Awards
• Contact the Law Office of Robert W. Nizich

War Hazards Compensation Act - Coverage and Benefits

Due to the large number of contractor employees currently serving the military in Iraq and Afghanistan and their frequent exposure to "war-risk hazards" or detention by a "hostile force," employers and insurance carriers for these employees are anticipating an increase in claims for injuries and deaths caused by military or terrorist actions.

The War Hazards Compensation Act provides direct payments to Defense Base Act employees, and certain employees as a result of their detention by a "hostile force or person." Payments are also made to certain employees when injury or death occurs due to a "war-risk hazard." Overseas workers' compensation under the War Hazards Compensation Act is consistent with the medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits available under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.

Qualifications

The War Hazards Compensation Act is subject to the following qualifications:

• Workers’ compensation coverage under the War Hazards Compensation Act is for injuries to qualified overseas employees which "proximately results from a war risk hazard." The employees are typically those covered by the Defense Base Act, the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act, those employed directly by the United States, and those providing welfare or similar services for the Armed Forces of the United States.
• The War Hazards Compensation Act also applies to persons:
  • Detained by hostile forces.
  • Missing under circumstances supporting an inference that the absence is a result of belligerent action.
  • Marooned due to the failure of the United States or its contractors to repatriate.
• The injury must occur outside of the United States.
• The employee must not be an active-duty member of the Armed Forces.

Overseas Workers’ Compensation Awards

An OWCP attorney can help determine if you qualify for coverage. General OWCP compensation standards include:

• The maximum payment for overseas workers’ compensation under the War Hazards Act is $1,030.78 per week.
• The annual reimbursement costs under the War Hazards Act range from $1 million to $2 million per year.

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Contact the Law Office of Robert W. Nizich

If you, or a loved one, is a contractor serving the military in Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere overseas, and has been injured due to exposure to "war-risk hazards" or detention by a "hostile force," contact the Law Office of Robert W. Nizich. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage. Arrange a free case evaluation with an OWCP attorney. We can help you maximize your award.