ABOUT THE DEFENSE BASE ACT
THE DEFENSE BASE ACT 42 U.S.C. � 1651 AND THE LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT 33 U.S.C � 901 et seq.
If you are a person who is injured or has a relative who has died while working on the job, the first reaction is that a claim for workers' compensation should be filed in order to recover medical costs and receive weekly benefits to cover lost wages or death benefits. While that may be correct, you may not be aware that there are several workers' compensation acts that could apply and which could result in a much larger compensation award. These acts include the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C � 901 et seq. and the Defense Base Act, 42 U.S.C. � 1651. In addition, you may have a cause of action against a third party who is not your employer that could result in a significant judgment or settlement.
