Amidst U.S. troops returning home from Iraq and talks of decreases in the number of military members in Afghanistan, the close proximity and reliance of the military on the support of private military contractors is sometimes forgotten.
Employee and Contract Company Negligence: A Hidden Enemy
Although the use of private military contractors for support during wartime efforts may sometimes be overlooked, the aftermath for injured and killed contractors is as grim as that of military members. Additionally, the actions and procedures of contractors play an important role in war efforts and the safety of both service members and employees alike.
Fraud, poor implementation of civilian contractors and the struggling realization of benefits for those privately employed during wartime efforts highlight just some of the negative connotations that loom above overseas civilian employees supporting U.S. troops. But despite the problems emerging in the news, private military contractors and military members alike have struggled with injuries and even instances of death as a result of contract company oversights as well as negligence surrounding procedures.
Discrepancies regarding proper procedures related to electronic performance, in particular, have been a hot topic for private contractor giant, KBR, Inc. who has been involved in multiple lawsuits related to employee negligence and defective electronic equipment outfitted at military bases in the Middle East. Multiple cases involving electrocution of military members at the hands of improper safety procedures performed by civilian contractors have resulted in numerous injuries and even death.
Middle East Work Conditions: More Dangerous Than We Thought
Some of the issues that have sparked controversy and lawsuits among military members and contract employees within the private contractor community include:
- Improper waste disposal (fire pits filled with trash and waste) resulting in fume inhalation and respiratory problems
- Electrocution due to negligence surrounding electrical equipment and safety practices
- Retaliation and violations of Texas Commission on Human Rights Act
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Knowingly exposing employees and soldiers to Sodium Dichromate, with failure to provide protection from the carcinogen, causing skin and breathing problems as well as cancer
Chemical Exposure: Cancer & Respiratory Complications
Emerging lawsuits and claims from former contractors and soldiers highlight the dangers of chemical exposure that many people came into contact with, without the proper safety equipment or protection. Sodium Dichromate is one such chemical provoking fear among those exposed. The carcinogen contains a compound that has been shown to increase the risk of cancer. While it is banned in most countries, it is often used to prevent pipes from developing rust. Soldiers and contractors alike are recounting their exposure to the dangerous chemical, which they sometimes slept surrounded by.
One soldier said, "You have got to understand that we were breathing it in, we were firing in it and it was blown up by the wind - this stuff was everywhere," highlighting the staggering exposure that some employees and military personnel may not even feel the effects from yet. It may be no coincidence that soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing higher rates of debilitating respiratory illnesses in contrast with service members who were deployed elsewhere.
Private Military Contractor Attorneys
Soldiers and contract employees alike have endured financial and benefit struggles as well as injury and death resulting from the negligence of big contracting companies meant to support the war efforts.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed as a result of contractor negligence endured while serving or employed overseas, call our military contractor attorneys at 888-335-7492, contact us online or visit one of the 11 office locations for our civilian contractor lawyers. Our experienced attorneys, investigative team, professional consultants and caring staff will help you uncover answers surrounding your injury or loss while helping you seek just compensation. We care. We can help.
