Injured Overseas? Learn About Your DBA Coverage
Working overseas for a U.S. government contractor? If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to medical care and compensation under the Defense Base Act. We help workers like you get the benefits they deserve.
What is DBA?
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal workers’ compensation law that protects civilian employees working overseas on U.S. government contracts or military bases. Created in 1941, it ensures workers receive medical care and compensation if they’re injured while working abroad, covering everything from physical injuries to psychological trauma.
The DBA provides comprehensive benefits including medical treatment, disability compensation, and lost wages. Through its unique “Zone of Special Danger” doctrine, it protects workers not just during work hours but also during off-duty activities, making it essential protection for anyone working overseas on U.S. government projects.
Who Qualifies?
The Defense Base Act covers civilian employees working overseas in support of U.S. government operations. You may qualify if you work for U.S. government contractors abroad, on military bases, or on public works projects outside the United States. This coverage applies to all nationalities and includes both direct employees and subcontractors.
Whether you’re a construction worker, security contractor, translator, or support staff, if you’re working on U.S. government projects overseas, you’re likely covered. The DBA protects you not only during work hours but often during off-duty time as well, through the “Zone of Special Danger” doctrine.
Who Qualifies?
The Defense Base Act covers civilian employees working overseas in support of U.S. government operations. You may qualify if you work for U.S. government contractors abroad, on military bases, or on public works projects outside the United States. This coverage applies to all nationalities and includes both direct employees and subcontractors.
Whether you’re a construction worker, security contractor, translator, or support staff, if you’re working on U.S. government projects overseas, you’re likely covered. The DBA protects you not only during work hours but often during off-duty time as well, through the “Zone of Special Danger” doctrine.
USA Bases
Prominent US military bases. If you have worked at one of these, please contact us.
Were You Injured Overseas?
You May Be Entitled to DBA Benefits
On-the-Job Injuries
Work-Related Accidents Any injury during your work hours, including equipment accidents, falls, or job-site incidents.
Mental Trauma Claims
War Zone Incidents Injuries from explosions, combat-related events, or security threats in conflict areas.
Transport Incidents
Transportation Accidents Injuries during work-related travel in foreign countries, whether by car, aircraft, or other vehicles.
Mental Trauma Claims
Medical Conditions Physical or mental health issues (like PTSD) developed from working conditions overseas.
Off-Duty Accidents
Off-Duty Injuries Accidents during recreational activities or free time while stationed overseas.
On-Base Incidents
Base Incidents Any accidents occurring on military bases or U.S. government facilities abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation program that provides medical benefits and disability compensation to civilian employees working overseas on U.S. government contracts. This includes employees working on military bases, public works projects, or under any contract with a U.S. government agency abroad.
You’re eligible if you work for a U.S. government contractor overseas, whether on military bases, public works projects, or foreign assistance contracts. This coverage applies regardless of your nationality and includes both direct employees and subcontractors working on U.S. government-funded projects worldwide.
The DBA covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses that occur in the course of overseas employment. This includes not only traditional workplace accidents but also injuries that occur during off-duty hours under the “Zone of Special Danger” doctrine. Coverage extends to physical injuries, psychological trauma like PTSD, occupational diseases, and injuries that occur during reasonable recreational activities while stationed overseas.
Time is critical in DBA claims. You should notify your employer within 30 days of your injury or illness. You then have one year from the date of injury to file a formal claim. For occupational diseases or conditions that develop over time, you have two years from when you became aware that your condition was related to your employment to file a claim.
DBA benefits are comprehensive and include payment for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury or illness. You can receive compensation for lost wages, permanent disability benefits, and rehabilitation services. In cases of total disability, you may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage. The Act also provides death benefits to surviving dependents if a worker dies due to a covered injury or illness.
Most DBA attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs. Attorney fees are typically paid by the insurance carrier when your case is resolved successfully. This ensures that injured workers can get quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
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- devrim.akyol@damaadvisors.com
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