(Death) Claims From (Contractor)Iraq Work Could Cost (US GOV) Millions

[papau]

The Defense Base Act requires full disability compensation for two-thirds of a worker's average weekly earnings, up to a maximum $1,030.78 per week. Death benefits are 50 percent of an employee's average weekly earnings payable to the surviving spouse or to one child, and two-thirds of earnings for two or more survivors, up to the weekly maximum. Benefits may be payable for life, and are subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments.


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=703&e=3&u=/ap/20040616/ap_on_re_us/workers__comp_iraq

Claims From (Contractor)Iraq Work Could Cost (US GOV) Millions


By LEIGH STROPE, AP Labor Writer

WASHINGTON - The mounting deaths and injuries to civilian contractors in Iraq could cost the federal government millions of dollars for hundreds of workers' compensation claims.

Federal law requires all U.S. government contractors and subcontractors to obtain workers' compensation insurance for civilian employees who work overseas. If an injury or death claim is related to a "war-risk hazard," the War Hazards Compensation Act provides for government reimbursement to insurance carriers.

Nearly half the 771 injury claims filed by U.S. contractors so far this year occurred in Iraq — 345. Of the 66 deaths reported as of last week, all but nine occurred in Iraq, according to the Labor Department, which handles the reporting of claims and reimbursements.

Since January 2003, there have been claims for 476 injuries and 80 deaths in Iraq. <snip>


Office of Workers' Compensation Programs: http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp-org.htm

Injury and death claims filed under the Defense Base Act by U.S. contractors working in foreign countries, as reported to the Labor Department's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.

Total claims:

-Jan. 1-June 9: 771 injuries, 66 deaths

-2003: 1,277 injuries, 60 deaths

-2002: 391 injuries, seven deaths

-2001: 445 injuries, 10 deaths

In Iraq only:

-Jan. 1-June 9: 345 injuries, 57 deaths

-2003: 131 injuries, 23 deaths

[DulceDecorum]

1. But but

isn't hot lead much much cheaper than cold gold?

And since WHEN can a mercenary sue for anything?

[havocmom]

2. Really! If the mercenaries have no one to answer to, how are we

responsible to pick up the tab injuries incurred due to their poor career choices? Jeeze! They get to act without any legal constraints, do not answer to any governmental authority, put the real military in more danger by raising the level of rage among the Iraqi populace against Americans by way of their lawless behavior, and the government is liable for disability and death benefits?!?!?!

But poor people in America just need tough love to inspire them to work themselves out of the poverty which is their own fault, according to the rich bastards rigging the game?!?!?!?! "WTF?" just doesn't cover it

[Deb]

3. Thanks for posting this!

I've been trying to figure out how these death/disability comp payments were going to be made and the business rate impact on a state by state basis. From what I have gathered, most of the companies involved with these claims are based in RED states.

Now that we know the Fed government reimburses the insurance carrier, it makes perfect (GOP political) sense to me. I knew there had to be a racket somewhere. Oh joy, WE get to cover their expenses.

[papau]

4. Glad to help! :-)

:-)