workman's comp, a war benefit like no other

WASHINGTON (AP) 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.