Injured on a Military Base in Tampa: Can I Get Workers’ Compensation?

National defense represents a top employer in Tampa. MacDill Air Force Base employs thousands of people, and most of the top U.S. defense contractors maintain a strong presence in the Tampa Bay Area. According to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, MacDill Air Force Base is the largest single employer in Hillsborough County. While national defense helps drive the Tampa economy, it is also an inherently dangerous field. What can you do if you were injured on a military base in Tampa? How can you pay for your medical bills and cover your missed wages?

Soldiers Are Not Eligible for Workers’ Compensation 

Normal military service members are not eligible for workers’ compensation. Instead, they pursue compensation through the Veterans Administration – a separate organization from workers’ compensation. VA disability benefits are generally more comprehensive compared to workers’ compensation benefits, and soldiers generally receive more for injuries than employees.

Contractors and Subcontractors Are Eligible for Workers’ Compensation 

On the other hand, military contractors and subcontractors are eligible for workers’ compensation after injuries on military bases. Many people in Tampa work for US defense contractors rather than a specific branch of the military. The Department of Defense also regularly employs civilian contractors.

If you were working for one of these subcontractors or contractors at a military base in Tampa, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to cover the cost of your injuries. Your employers are legally obligated to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even if you are working on a military base.

The Defense Base Act Explained 

The Defense Base Act requires all US defense contractors and subcontractors to get workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, and this law specifically applies to overseas bases. It also applies to certain infrastructure projects and national defense work. Due to the nature of the defense industry, you might find yourself working at numerous bases throughout the year – including MacDill and various overseas facilities. The Defense Base Act ensures that no matter where you work in the world, your injuries are always covered by workers’ compensation.

The Defense Base Act also addresses specific situations and hazards that may occur on overseas bases. These include death, injuries, and even kidnappings caused by hostile military action. Due to the United States’ increased reliance on private military contractors (mercenaries), the Defense Base Act is crucial in helping injured soldiers operating outside of traditional military branches.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tampa 

Workers in the defense industry deserve protection too. If you were injured in an accident at a military base, you may have the ability to pursue workers’ compensation as a civilian contractor. Due to the overlapping nature of military personnel and civilian contractors, your next steps after an accident may be unclear. To discuss this situation in more detail, get in touch with the Tampa workers’ compensation lawyers at the Franco Law Firm at your earliest convenience. We’ll help you pursue the compensation you need.

Sources: 

tampabayedc.com/target-industries-2/defense-security/

acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/dba-insurance.html#:~:text=The%20Defense%20Base%20Act%20(DBA,contracts%20outside%20the%20United%20States.