Top 5 Most Common DBA Workplace Accident Claims

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal workers’ compensation law requiring all U.S. government contractors and subcontractors to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for their employees abroad. The DBA provides various benefits to eligible employees who suffer injuries or fatalities during the course of employment. The benefits are available regardless of whether the incident occurred during work hours.

Most Common DBA Injury Claims

Similar to stateside workers’ compensation claims, DBA claims cover any injuries that arise out of or during the course of employment. In most cases, workers should be eligible for medical benefits and lost income if their injuries or illness occurred because of their work.

Injuries and illnesses can vary depending on various factors such as occupation, location, and demographic information of the injured worker. However, some of the most common DBA claims stem from:

Falling Injuries: Falls can occur in any workplace; however, certain positions lend themselves to a higher likelihood of these accidents. For example, construction workers, transportation workers, and those in manufacturing positions. These incidents may result in strains and contusions.

Explosion Injuries: Those who work in or around improvised explosive devices (IEDs), heavy machinery, and laboratories are at-risk for explosion injuries. Explosion injuries can cause burns, lacerations, and death.

Aggravation Injuries: These injuries occur when an existing injury or illness is worsened because of new harm. These cases are challenging and typically require significant bolstering evidence.

Psychological Conditions: Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression are all compensable under the DBA. However, similar to aggravation injuries, these claims are complex and typically require the assistance of an experienced attorney.

Machinery Use Injuries: Injuries related to heavy equipment often result in lacerations, broken bones, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries.

Civilian contractors working overseas face the same dangers as military personnel. As such, it is essential that these workers obtain compensation to cover the losses sustained by their employment.

Types of DBA Coverage

DBA insurance provides coverage for:

• Medical Expenses
• Funeral and Burial Costs
• Lost Wages and Income
• Disability Benefits
• Death Benefits

In addition, certain comprehensive insurance plans provide coverage for:

• General Liability
• Travel Accidents
• Kidnap/Ransom
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance

The coverage applies to any employee working on a government contract, such as consultants, construction workers, engineers, educators, health managers, project managers, translators, security workers, and other support services.

DBA Claim Attorney for a Workplace Accident

The Defense Base Act attorneys at Friedman Rodman & Frank have a well-established history of securing favorable outcomes for injured workers. Our office handles DBA claims for employees and subcontractors who suffered serious injuries or fatalities while working overseas. The firm has represented workers from all over the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Cuba, and Haiti. In addition to claims under the DBA, Longshore Workers, and Jones Act, our firm handles injuries stemming from Camp Lejune. Our skilled and diligent attorneys have recovered workers’ compensation benefits for the physical, psychological, and financial damages that our clients experienced because of their occupation or job duties. Contact our office at 877-448-8585 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.