DEFENSE BASE ACT CLAIMS

We represent workers injured around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and many other countries.

If you are a contractor injured overseas, you could be entitled to compensation and medical benfits or reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, including medical bills, travel costs, and milage reimbursement for travel.

The Defense Base Act is an extension of the federal workers' compensation program that covers longshoremen and harbor workers, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The Defense Base Act is designed to provide medical treatment and compensation of employees of defense contractos injured in the course and scope of their employment. The Defense Base Act is administered by the United States Department of Labor and is primarily an administrative process, distinct from a traditional State or Federal Court system. You should have an attorney with the experience to navigate the rules and procedures unique to this federal administrative system.

Who is Covered Under the Defense Base Act?

Civilians working under contract for the U.S. government in other countries, whether at military instillations or on public works projects, fall under the DBA when injured on the job. The U.S. Government outsources many jobs to U.S. citizens or subcontractors from other countries. The DBA covers civilian contractors working on U.S. installations overseas such as

CONSTRUCTION WORKER & LABORERS

FOOD SERVICE WORKERS

MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION EMPLOYEES

SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY PERSONNEL

LOGISTIC SPECIALISTS

INTERPRETERS

TRUCK DRIVERS AND MECHANICS

Compensation may be available to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, back pay and disability due to accidents or conditions resulting in:

Orthopedic injuries including, but not limited to, back, neck, leg and arm injuries.

Occupational hearing loss

Cardiac conditions

Pulmonary functioning

DVT and PE

PTSD and other psychological injuries

The DBA applies to U.S. citizens, residents, nationals and foreign workers

Exceptions

Employees covered under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act
Employees involved in domestic agriculture service or other employment that is considered casual or secondary to the contract
Captains or crew members of vessels