Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102

§1714 Legal Services

Title 42 › CHAPTER 12 — COMPENSATION FOR INJURY, DEATH, OR DETENTION OF EMPLOYEES OF CONTRACTORS WITH UNITED STATES OUTSIDE UNITED STATES › SUBCHAPTER II — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 1714

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

No claim for legal or other services connected to a compensation claim under subchapter I is valid unless the Secretary approves it. If the Secretary approves a fee, that fee will be paid out of the claimant’s compensation as the Secretary decides. Anyone who takes a fee, payment, or gift for those services without the Secretary’s approval, or who asks for work for themselves or someone else about a subchapter I claim, is guilty of a misdemeanor. For each offense they can be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned up to one year, or both.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §1714

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

No claim for legal services or for any other services rendered in respect of a claim or award for compensation under subchapter I to or on account of any person shall be valid unless approved by the Secretary; and any claim so approved shall, in the manner and to the extent fixed by the said Secretary, be paid out of the compensation payable to the claimant; and any person who receives any fee, other consideration, or any gratuity on account of services so rendered, unless such consideration or gratuity is so approved, or who solicits employment for another person or for himself in respect of any claim or award for compensation under subchapter I shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall, for each offense, be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For

Transfer of Functions

to Secretary of Labor, see note set out under section 1711 of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 1714

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102