War Zone Employee Compensation
In a tough economic climate, it is often tempting to pursue or accept employment in areas of armed conflict. The pay can be higher and you get the chance to live in a different country and culture. However, there are many dangers associated with working in an unstable zone. Even if the American government has a military presence in that country, they cannot protect you at all times. Your safety is even more at risk if there are insurgents who target Westerners.
To understand more about your rights as a war zone worker, contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130.
Protection for Individuals Working in War Zones
The Department of Labor’s Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) covers war zone workers. Under the Act, employees who have been injured while working in an armed conflict area have numerous benefits available to them, including:
- Income and medical loss benefits
- Scheduled compensation for permanent vision or hearing loss
- Retraining or rehabilitation
- Survivor benefits for death resulting from an injury covered under the Act
- Up to $100,000 death compensation during Armed Forces duty
Keep in mind that as a deployed employee, you are not covered under all circumstances or at all times. Injuries incurred are only covered when the employee is engaged in activities that are “reasonably incidental” to their jobs. These include sleeping, eating, and travel if you are on a special mission under FECA. The Federal workers’ compensation law has other rules that it endorses. These include:
- The proximity rule
- Special danger zone rule
- Bunkhouse rule
These principles are in place to protect those employees whose work goes beyond normal employment assignments.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been injured while working in a deadly war zone, you may be entitled to compensation or other benefits for your lost wages and medical bills. Contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today to discuss your case.