Comp claims arising out of injuries in Iraq will cost the government multi-millions.

"You've got the potential to be kidnapped, to be killed, to be tortured, shot at, blown up," said Bob Hartwig, chief economist with the Insurance Information Institute, an industry group. Mr. Hartwig is quoted in this article from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The War Hazards Compensation Act provides for government reimbursement to insurance carriers if an injury is related to a "war-risk hazard." Federal law requires all U.S. government contractors and subcontractors to obtain workers' compensation insurance for civilian employees who work overseas. Just this year alone there have been 345 injuries and 57 deaths associated with the rebuilding of Iraq.

Already this year we have seen one Michigan comp claimant hurry-up his comp. redemption (settlement) because he found a job as an oil truck driver for Halliburton paying $80,000.00 per year. It's the new "wild west" out there!