If you have been injured as an employee in the U.S. defense industry or for a company providing goods or services to the armed forces of our country, you may have a right to seek compensation for your losses under the Defense Base Act. Congress enacted the Defense Base Act more than 70 years ago, in 1941, with the express purpose of extending workers’ compensation benefits available under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Here are the basic provisions of the Defense Base Act:

• Coverage: A broad spectrum of employees can pursue compensation under the Defense Base Act, from employees of companies with public works contracts with any U.S. government agency to individuals working for private companies on U.S. military installations. Other covered workers include employees of American contractors on public works projects in U.S. territories and military bases, employees of companies with contracts approved and funded under the Foreign Assistance Act, and any subcontractors of any of the above entities.
• Benefits: To qualify for benefits under the Defense Base Act, you must fall into one of the covered categories, and you must have been hurt on the job. There’s a three day waiting period before you can file a claim, but if you are still suffering injury after that time period, you’ll be eligible for wage reimbursement based on your average weekly wage over the last year. The amount of compensation you receive will be two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Benefits payments are not subject to cost of living adjustments.

Contact Uliase & Uliase

For an appointment with an experienced New Jersey federal workers’ compensation lawyer, contact us online or call our office at < a href="tel:+1-856-310-9002">call our office at 856-310-9002< /a >. We meet with clients weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We offer a free consultation for injured workers.