Blog

Defense Base Act War Hazards Rules for Contractors Hurt in Missile and Drone Attacks

Date25 Sep 2026

Last updated September 25, 2026 · Reviewed by Elizabeth Estrada Defense Base Act war hazards rules determine who pays when a civilian contractor is injured in a missile or drone attack on an overseas base, and renewed strikes on bases hosting U.S. forces...

Does Your DBA Check Stop When Your Overseas Job Disappears?

Date25 Sep 2026

Last updated September 25, 2026 · Reviewed by Elizabeth Estrada A Benefits Review Board decision published on March 20, 2026 addresses whether Defense Base Act benefits after a contract ends can be cut off because the overseas job itself no longer exists. In Woolum...

Who Gets the Defense Base Act Cost of Living Increase

Date31 Aug 2026

Last updated August 31, 2026 · Reviewed by Carolyn Frank Every October 1, the Department of Labor resets the compensation rates that govern Defense Base Act claims. The reset comes from Section 10(f) of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, 33...

Why a DBA Third Party Settlement Needs Written Approval

Date22 Aug 2026

Last updated August 31, 2026 · Reviewed by Carolyn Frank A contractor injured overseas can pursue a Defense Base Act claim and a separate lawsuit against the outside company whose negligence caused the injury, without choosing between the two. Section 33(a) of...

Independent Medical Examinations in Defense Base Act Cases: What to Expect and How to Protect Your Rights

Date30 Jul 2026

If you were injured while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, the Defense Base Act (DBA) may provide medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability benefits through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). During the claims process, the insurance company...

Can You Choose Your Own Doctor in a Defense Base Act Claim? What Overseas Contractors Should Know

Date16 Jul 2026

If you were injured while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, the Defense Base Act (DBA) may provide medical treatment and disability benefits through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Medical care plays a central role in every Defense...

Can Social Media Hurt Your Defense Base Act Claim? What Overseas Contractors Need to Know

Date22 Jun 2026

If you suffer an injury while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, the Defense Base Act (DBA) may provide medical treatment and disability benefits through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). While most injured workers understand the importance of...

Why Returning to Work Too Soon Can Reduce the Value of Your Defense Base Act Claim

Date12 Jun 2026

The Defense Base Act (DBA), which extends the protections of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) to civilian contractors working overseas on U.S. government projects, provides medical treatment and disability benefits after a work-related injury. Many injured workers want to...

DBA Vocational Rehabilitation: When You Can’t Return to Contractor Work

Date27 May 2026

If a Defense Base Act injury keeps you from returning to the kind of overseas contractor work you did before, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits. These benefits can include skills testing, training programs, job-placement help, and continued wage benefits while...

What Surviving Families of Contractors Should Know About DBA Death Benefits

Date12 May 2026

If your spouse, parent, or child died while working overseas as a civilian contractor on a U.S. government contract, the Defense Base Act provides death benefits to qualifying survivors. These benefits include a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage, funeral expenses...

DBA Settlements and What Happens When Insurance Delays Get in the Way

Date22 Apr 2026

If you are waiting on medical care or a settlement under the Defense Base Act, delays can feel like the system is working against you. Many contractors expect that once a claim is accepted, benefits will move forward without issue. In practice,...

DBA Injury Claims and When Off-Duty Accidents Are Still Covered Overseas

Date06 Apr 2026

If you are working overseas as a contractor and get hurt outside your scheduled duties, it is easy to assume you are not covered. Many people believe that if the injury did not happen during assigned work hours, there is no claim....

DBA Carrier Stopped Paying? Here’s What You Can Do

Date22 Mar 2026

If your Defense Base Act insurance carrier stopped sending disability checks, you are not without options. Federal law gives injured contractors a specific process for challenging a termination of benefits — and time matters from the moment the payments stop. Why Carriers...

DBA vs. State Workers’ Comp: What Contractors Need to Know

Date11 Mar 2026

If you were injured working overseas on a U.S. military base or under a government contract, state workers’ compensation does not cover you. Your claim falls under the Defense Base Act (DBA) — a federal law that operates very differently from the...

DBA Settlements and Coverage Fights When the Carrier and Employer Start Pointing Fingers

Date27 Feb 2026

A DBA claim can feel straightforward at first. You get hurt overseas, you report the injury, and you expect medical care and wage benefits to follow. Reality often looks different. Payment approvals slow down, medical authorizations are questioned, and the employer and...

When Off-Duty Injuries Still Count Under the Defense Base Act in 2026

Date11 Feb 2026

An overseas assignment rarely feels like a normal nine-to-five job. Contractors often live where they work, travel on employer-arranged routes, use base facilities for exercise, and run errands in areas where daily life carries risks that exist only because of the posting....

Average Weekly Wage in Defense Base Act Claims for Rotational Overseas Work

Date30 Jan 2026

Rotational overseas work creates a wage picture that looks nothing like a typical stateside job. Contractors may work long stretches on base, return home for rest periods, then go back overseas under the same contract. Pay can include base wages, differentials, and...

Defense Base Act Claims After Contractor Evacuations and Sudden Base Closures

Date23 Jan 2026

Contractors working overseas can see a normal workday turn into an evacuation order with little warning. A base closes, a project pauses, flights get arranged, and people leave under time pressure. Injuries often happen during that transition, including vehicle crashes in convoys,...

Delayed-Onset Injuries and the Defense Base Act: What If Symptoms Appear Months Later?

Date30 Dec 2025

Not every Defense Base Act injury is obvious at the moment it occurs. Many overseas contractors return home believing they are fine, only to develop serious symptoms months or even years later. These delayed-onset injuries are common in Defense Base Act claims...

Telemedicine and Defense Base Act Claims: Can Remote Medical Care Affect Your Benefits?

Date02 Dec 2025

For civilian contractors working overseas, access to quality medical care is not always straightforward. Many assignments are in remote or dangerous locations where seeing a specialist in person is difficult or impossible. As a result, telemedicine has become a common part of...

Possible New U.S. Base Near Gaza and What Increased Overseas Deployments Mean for Defense Base Act Injury Claims

Date12 Nov 2025

A recent report from The Defense Post described U.S. planning efforts for a large base or housing facility near the Gaza border. That development follows broader trends in overseas military support operations, where civilian contractors handle logistics, construction, transportation, and security roles...

Off Duty Injuries And The Zone Of Special Danger Under The Defense Base Act

Date31 Oct 2025

You may recover Defense Base Act benefits for injuries that occur off the clock overseas when the risk relates to your deployment. This coverage flows from the zone of special danger doctrine. If the conditions of overseas employment create or intensify the...

Defense Base Act Mental Health Claims And How You Prove Them

Date12 Oct 2025

You can bring a Defense Base Act claim for PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions if work overseas caused or aggravated the condition. You do not need a bullet wound to qualify. You need proof that your employment exposed you...

The Role of Surveillance and Social Media in Your DBA Claim

Date22 Sep 2025

When you file a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim, you expect the insurance company to evaluate your medical records and work history. What you may not expect is surveillance—but it’s a common tactic insurers use to try to reduce or deny claims....

Can You Reopen a Closed Defense Base Act Claim?

Date10 Sep 2025

When you’ve been injured while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, the Defense Base Act (DBA) provides vital benefits for medical treatment and lost wages. But what happens if your injury worsens after your claim is resolved—or if new issues arise...

Delays in Defense Base Act Claims and How to Protect Your Benefits

Date31 Aug 2025

When you are injured overseas as a contractor, the Defense Base Act (DBA) is supposed to provide you with prompt medical care and wage replacement. Unfortunately, many claimants face delays in receiving these benefits. These delays can create financial strain and make...

What to Expect at a Defense Base Act Hearing

Date11 Aug 2025

If your Defense Base Act (DBA) claim is disputed, you may find yourself preparing for a formal hearing before an administrative law judge. This can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been through a legal process before. Understanding what to expect...

Can You Sue a Private Contractor for Injuries Covered by the DBA

Date28 Jul 2025

When you suffer an injury overseas while working on a U.S. military base or under a federal contract, the Defense Base Act (DBA) typically becomes your exclusive remedy. That means you usually cannot file a lawsuit against your employer or a private...

Common Medical Issues Among Overseas Contractors and How the DBA Covers Them

Date22 Jul 2025

Working overseas as a government contractor often means dealing with dangerous conditions, remote locations, and intense stress. These realities lead to medical issues that are very different from what most domestic workers face. The Defense Base Act (DBA) was designed to protect...

The Role of Surveillance and Social Media in Your DBA Claim

Date17 Jun 2025

When you file a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim after an overseas injury, you expect the insurance company to review your medical records and job history. But what many injured workers don’t expect is the use of private investigators, video surveillance, or...

What Happens When a DBA Claim Involves Multiple Employers or Contractors?

Date07 Jun 2025

Civilian contractors working overseas under U.S. government contracts often move between jobs, companies, and assignments. It’s not uncommon to work for more than one defense contractor over the course of a single deployment—or to switch employers mid-contract. But when an injury occurs...

What Happens if Your Defense Base Act Injury Is Psychological, Not Physical?

Date22 May 2025

Working on overseas military contracts can place you in high-pressure, dangerous, and emotionally overwhelming conditions. While many Defense Base Act (DBA) claims involve broken bones, hearing loss, or traumatic brain injuries, some of the most disabling injuries are invisible. If you’re struggling...

What If You’re Injured While Working Overseas Under a U.S. Government Contract?

Date02 May 2025

If you were injured while working overseas under a U.S. defense contract, you may qualify for compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA). This federal law provides benefits to civilian workers supporting military operations abroad—whether you were hurt in a combat zone,...

How Defense Base Act Claims Differ from Workers’ Comp Claims in the U.S.

Date22 Apr 2025

If you’ve been injured while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, you might assume your claim falls under standard workers’ compensation rules. But in reality, your case is likely governed by the Defense Base Act (DBA)—a unique federal law that provides...

What to Expect During a Defense Base Act Independent Medical Exam (IME)

Date09 Apr 2025

If you’ve filed a claim under the Defense Base Act (DBA), there’s a good chance the insurance company handling your case will schedule you for an Independent Medical Examination (IME). While the name implies neutrality, make no mistake—an IME can significantly impact...

DBA Claims and the War in Gaza

Date31 Mar 2025

The recent escalation in Gaza and surrounding regions has raised new concerns for civilian contractors working in or near active conflict zones. Whether you’re providing logistical support, construction services, security, or intelligence gathering, working in these high-risk areas dramatically increases your exposure...

How the DBA Covers Mental Health in 2025

Date22 Mar 2025

Working on U.S. government contracts overseas can be dangerous, high-pressure, and emotionally exhausting. For many civilian contractors, the trauma they experience doesn’t leave visible scars—but it leaves lasting damage. In 2025, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions are being diagnosed...

How the DBA Covers Mental Health in 2025

Date09 Mar 2025

Why You Shouldn’t Trust Insurance Companies to Handle Your DBA Claim Fairly

Date28 Feb 2025

If you’ve been injured while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, filing a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim is supposed to provide financial and medical support. However, insurance companies don’t always play fair when handling DBA claims. Their goal is to...

Do You Qualify for Defense Base Act Benefits? How to Know if You Have a Case

Date14 Feb 2025

If you’ve been injured while working overseas on a U.S. government contract, you may be entitled to compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA). Many workers are unaware that they qualify for DBA benefits, missing out on critical financial and medical support....

5 Key Deadlines You Need to Know When Filing a Defense Base Act Claim

Date22 Jan 2025

If you’ve been injured while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, the Defense Base Act (DBA) provides essential workers’ compensation benefits. However, securing these benefits requires adhering to specific deadlines. Missing any of these deadlines can jeopardize your claim, making it...

Can You Receive DBA Benefits for Psychological Injuries?

Date09 Jan 2025

When most people think of Defense Base Act (DBA) claims, they imagine physical injuries sustained while working overseas. However, the DBA also provides compensation for psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. If you’ve experienced mental health issues...

How to Handle Delays in Defense Base Act Payments

Date31 Dec 2024

Filing a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim can be a lifeline for civilian contractors injured while working overseas. Once your claim is approved, the benefits you receive—such as medical coverage and lost wages—are crucial for your recovery. Unfortunately, payment delays are a...

What Is the Zone of Special Danger Under the Defense Base Act?

Date14 Dec 2024

For employees working overseas on U.S. government contracts, the Defense Base Act (DBA) provides critical protections for work-related injuries. However, not all injuries occur while you are actively performing your job. The concept of the “zone of special danger” expands DBA coverage...

Understanding Defense Base Act Claims: What You Need to Know

Date30 Nov 2024

When you’re injured while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, the Defense Base Act (DBA) provides critical protections. However, many workers don’t fully understand how the DBA works, what benefits it offers, or how to file a claim. Here’s what you...

Common Challenges in Defense Base Act Claims and How to Overcome Them

Date12 Nov 2024

If you’ve suffered an injury while working under a U.S. government contract overseas, you may be entitled to benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA). However, navigating the claims process can be daunting. Many workers face challenges that make securing compensation more...

Understanding Longshore and Defense Base Act Claims for Overseas Workers

Date31 Oct 2024

For workers employed on U.S. government contracts abroad, injuries on the job can have devastating consequences. The Defense Base Act (DBA) and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provide critical protections to ensure injured employees receive the compensation they need. If...

How to File a Successful Defense Base Act Claim After a Workplace Injury

Date22 Oct 2024

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides vital protections for civilian employees working on U.S. military bases or under U.S. government contracts abroad. If you are injured while performing your duties overseas, the DBA allows you to file a claim to receive compensation...

Why You Need a Defense Base Act Attorney for Injury Claims

Date30 Sep 2024

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides crucial protections for civilian contractors working on military bases and government projects outside the United States. These workers often face dangerous conditions and, when injured, rely on the DBA to cover their medical costs and lost...

Understanding Defense Base Act Coverage for Psychological Injuries in Florida

Date11 Sep 2024

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides essential protections for civilian contractors working on U.S. government projects overseas, covering a variety of injuries, including psychological conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues are prevalent for contractors in conflict zones, and...

The Impact of Delayed Medical Treatment on Defense Base Act Claims

Date29 Aug 2024

One significant issue often arises in Defense Base Act (DBA) claims is the delay in receiving necessary medical treatment. The DBA is a federal law designed to protect workers’ compensation for civilian employees working on military bases or under government contracts overseas....

Understanding the “Zone of Special Danger” Doctrine in Defense Base Act Claims

Date29 Jul 2024

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a crucial piece of legislation that provides workers’ compensation protection to civilian employees working on U.S. military bases and other government-related projects overseas. One key aspect of DBA claims that often comes into play is the...

How Technological Advancements in Medical Care Impact Your Defense Base Act Claim

Date26 Jun 2024

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides vital protection for contractors and civilian employees working on military bases or under government contracts overseas. When you’re injured on the job, securing proper medical care and fair compensation becomes essential. Technological advancements in medical care...

Understanding Statute of Limitation Restrictions for Defense Base Act Claims

Date31 May 2024

What is the Statute of Limitation on a Defense Base Act Claim? Generally, you have one year after your injury to file a claim under the Defense Base Act (DBA). There are certain circumstances that permit the filing deadline to be extended,...

Why Are DBA Claims Denied?

Date20 May 2024

What is the DBA? The 1941 U.S. Workers’ Compensation Program was established in 1916 to administer claims under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Benefits are available under this Act to more than three million federal employees, Peace Corps members, and Americorps members....

Large Scale Defense Base Act Statistical Trends

Date30 Apr 2024

What is the Defense Base Act? The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an insurance program that serves to cover overseas employees working for American employers. This includes work on military bases, diplomacy, civilians doing federal military contracting, and other national defense work....

Deciding Between Litigation, Settlement, or Other Defense Base Act Claim Options

Date15 Apr 2024

How Does the Defense Base Act Process Begin? The Defense Base Act (DBA) is administered by the Department of Labor’s Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (“DLHWC”). It will make the initial recommendations regarding your entitlement to benefits after you file...

DBA Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices to Maximize Your Benefits

Date31 Mar 2024

Benefits of the Defense Base Act To understand how to maximize your benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA), it’s important to have a working understanding of the benefits available. Some major benefits guaranteed under the DBA include but are not limited...

DBA Best Practices: Approaching DBA Depositions As a Worker Claimant

Date05 Mar 2024

What is the Defense Base Act? The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an extension of the 1941 U.S. Worker’s Compensation Program that was enacted to provide coverage for employees working outside of the U.S. for American employers. The policy allows employees to...

Categories of Commonly Covered DBA Injuries

Date29 Feb 2024

What is the DBA? The DBA is an important federal law that provides benefits and protections to employees engaging in defense contract work overseas. Such workers face unique risks and challenges while serving their country in hazardous environments and deserve significant benefits...

Understanding Payment Types Under the Defense Base Act

Date11 Feb 2024

The Defense Base Act (DBA) was created to offset the dangers associated with contractors and subcontractors deployed overseas in the defense industry. For contractors and subcontractors who are injured while working overseas on U.S. bases and posts, the DBA provides them with...

Who Is Eligible For Benefits Under The Defense Base Act?

Date15 Jan 2024

The Defense Base Act is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA provides workers’ compensation benefits to qualifying maritime workers and longshoremen and can provide death benefits to their surviving family members. Congress passed the DBA...

Claims Under the Defense Base Act Rising Throughout the Country

Date31 Dec 2023

Defense Base Act (DBA) Claims Rising The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs tracks DBA claims statistics and data. According to reports coming from the Department of Labor, the number of DBA claims has continued to trend upwards. DBA...

Defense Base Act Statute of Limitations Guide

Date15 Dec 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) covers civilian employees working outside the United States on U.S. military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or national defense. It’s designed to provide workers’ medical treatment and compensation protection to...

Eligibility for Defense Base Act (DBA) Benefits

Date05 Dec 2023

The Department of Labor (DOL) manages the Defense Base Act (DBA) program. According to policy laid out by the DOL, the DBA provides benefits to civilian contractors under the following four conditions: (1) contractors working for private employers on U.S. military bases...

What Are Some Common Injuries that Qualify Under the Defense Base Act?

Date20 Nov 2023

What is the Defense Base Act (DBA)? The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an important federal law that provides benefits and protections to employees engaging in defense contract work overseas. Such workers face unique risks and challenges while serving their country in...

Understanding the Payment Structure of a DBA Settlement

Date05 Nov 2023

Defense Base Act (DBA) settlement payments are divided into two payment formats, lump sum payments and regularly scheduled payments over an extended period of time. One of the common questions about the settlement process is which option a claimant should choose if...

Understanding The DBA Statute of Limitations

Date30 Oct 2023

What is the DBA? The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an extension of the 1941 U.S. Worker’s Compensation Program that was enacted to provide coverage for employees working outside of the U.S. for American employers. The policy allows employees to receive compensation...

Why Are Some DBA Claims Denied?

Date20 Oct 2023

Filing a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim is highly technical, complex, and nuanced. Receiving compensation for an injury through a DBA decision or settlement is your right, but sometimes claims can be denied. Understanding why claims are denied is a vital part...

Navigating Lowball DBA Settlement Offers

Date13 Oct 2023

What is the Defense Base Act? The DBA is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA provides workers’ compensation benefits to qualifying maritime workers and longshoremen and can provide death benefits to their surviving family members....

Beginning a Claim and Understanding the Statute of Limitations Under the DBA

Date29 Sep 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an extension of the 1941 U.S. Worker’s Compensation Program that was enacted to provide coverage for employees working outside of the U.S. for American employers. The policy allows employees to receive compensation while working at U.S....

Department of Labor Reports Defense Base Act Claims Are on the Rise

Date23 Sep 2023

What Benefits Are Available Under the Defense Base Act?

Date17 Sep 2023

The 1941 U.S. Workers’ Compensation Program was established in 1916 to administer claims under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. Benefits are available under this Act to more than three million federal employees, Peace Corps members, and Americorps members. The Defense Base Act...

Understanding the DBA Settlement Process

Date07 Sep 2023

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. It was created to offset the dangers associated with contractors and subcontractors deployed overseas. For contractors...

Understanding Non-Schedule DBA Injuries

Date31 Aug 2023

Defense Base Act (DBA) Statistics and Trends

Date22 Aug 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an insurance program that serves to cover overseas employees working for American employers. This includes work on military bases, diplomacy, civilians doing federal military contracting, and other national defense work. The DBA is an extension of...

Understanding DBA Claims That Reach Settlement Agreements

Date17 Aug 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) was created to offset the dangers associated with contractors and subcontractors deployed overseas. For contractors and subcontractors who are injured while working overseas, the DBA provides them with health insurance and the opportunity to receive a disability...

Deciding Between Litigating or Settling a DBA Claim

Date08 Aug 2023

Over the course of a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim, the claimant will have the choice to either litigate the claim to completion or negotiate and accept a settlement agreement. Both results have advantages and disadvantages associated with them, and each case...

Some of the Most Common Defense Base Act Injuries

Date31 Jul 2023

How to Approach a Defense Base Act Case

Date24 Jul 2023

Preparing for a Defense Base Act (DBA) case can be complex and intimidating. That’s why it’s important to consult with a lawyer and adhere to the following tips to make sure your claim is the most successful it can be. Ask Your...

Tips and Tricks to Maximize a DBA Claim

Date14 Jul 2023

Federal Appeals Court Makes Audiologist Ruling in LHWCA Case, Siding With Claimant

Date10 Jul 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA provides workers’ compensation benefits to qualifying maritime workers and longshoremen and can provide death benefits to their surviving family members. DBA cases are...

How to Prepare for a Defense Base Act Deposition

Date30 Jun 2023

Following the filing of a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim for qualifying injuries sustained, claimants will be scheduled to have their deposition taken. It is natural to have questions about the process, especially as having your deposition taken is not a common...

What is the Defense Base Act (DBA)?

Date22 Jun 2023

The United States began ramping up the construction of new and existing military bases around the world in the early 1940s as the potential for war with Japan and Germany loomed large. To ensure that the American civilians working overseas to construct...

What is Covered Under the Defense Base Act?

Date20 Jun 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law protecting civilian employees who work overseas in support of the American military. The law requires federal contractors to maintain DBA insurance coverage in order to supply workers’ compensation should a contractor get injured...

Understanding a Lump Sum DBA Settlement Payment

Date13 Jun 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an extension of the 1941 U.S. Worker’s Compensation Program that was enacted to provide coverage for employees working outside of the U.S. for U.S. employers. The policy allows employees to receive compensation while working at American...

Understanding Why Some DBA Claims Are Denied

Date31 May 2023

Understanding Common Injuries Under the DBA

Date23 May 2023

Over the life of the Defense Base Act (DBA), some injuries have emerged as more common than others. These injuries range from intuitive ones, such as machinery injuries on the job, to less visible suffering, such as psychological or emotional injuries. Regardless...

How to Approach Filing a DBA Claim

Date21 May 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) was enacted on August 16th, 1941. The DBA serves as an extension to the federal workers’ compensation program that protects longshoremen and harbor workers. The DBA is administered by the United States Department of Labor (DOL) and...

Avoiding Lowball DBA Settlements

Date10 May 2023

Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance companies typically pay military contractors and other DBA-qualified individuals while they are out of work at a very high rate. This is because private military contractors often find themselves working in deadly zones of hostility, such as...

The Defense Base Act (DBA) was created to offset the dangers associated with contractors and subcontractors deployed overseas. The DBA provides contractors and subcontractors who are injured while working overseas with health insurance and the opportunity to receive a disability rating. U.S....

Calculating DBA Settlement Amounts

Date11 Apr 2023

Benefits Available Under the Defense Base Act

Date29 Mar 2023

The benefits of DBA coverage are wide-ranging. It is important to take advantage of all the options available through the insurance program. Some of the most common and helpful benefits include, but are not limited to: Physician of Choice. The DBA permits...

DBA Claim Issues: Claimant Credibility

Date21 Mar 2023

Understanding The DBA Statute of Limitations

Date15 Mar 2023

Understanding the DBA Settlement Process

Date10 Mar 2023

Defense Base Act (DBA) cases and claims frequently result in settlements. The DBA claims process is often drawn out and confusing, and going through such a case is a stressful and complicated process. In many cases, insurance companies rely on delaying tactics...

COVID-19 Claims under the Defense Base Act

Date21 Feb 2023

Civilian employees working outside the United States on a U.S. military base or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of workers contracted COVID-19 and lost income and benefits because...

What Is the Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and the Defense Base Act?

Date15 Feb 2023

Federal and state workers’ compensation programs provide coverage to employees who have sustained work-related injuries or illnesses. Defense Base Act coverage is a type of workers’ compensation coverage typically required for all public works contracts performed overseas unless the Secretary of the...

Calculating Benefits under the Defense Base Act

Date08 Feb 2023

Those who worked overseas as a defense or civilian contractor for the United States government or under a government contract were likely exposed to hazards that many servicemembers encounter. However, unlike servicemembers, civilian contractors do not have access to VA disability benefits...

Which Employers Must Have DBA Insurance?

Date31 Jan 2023

The main goal of the Defense Base Act (DBA) is to cover qualifying workers on military bases outside of the United States. Its primary purpose is to provide compensation for injuries, disabilities, or death to persons employed under a contract with the...

“Costs of War” Project Reveals Government Contractors Did Not Receive Compensation for Injuries

Date26 Jan 2023

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides workers’ compensation benefits to civilian employees working abroad on U.S. military bases or under a U.S. government contract for national defense. Under the Act, qualifying employers must acquire DBA coverage for their foreign national employees. The...

What Happens if I am Injured While Working Overseas?

Date21 Jan 2023

There are various benefits of working as a civilian contractor overseas for the United States government, such as high compensation, good benefits, and marketability. However, like any other job, especially one overseas in potentially volatile areas, it brings additional challenges and potential...

How to Win a DBA Claim

Date18 Dec 2022

Winning a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim requires a comprehensive understanding of the substantive, procedural, and evidentiary rules that govern the DBA claims process. The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an offshoot of the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Together these...

Defense Base Act Appeals

Date11 Dec 2022

The time following an overseas injury can be stressful for workers and their loved ones. Although the Defense Base Act (DBA) provides workers’ compensation benefits to qualifying overseas military and U.S. government contractors, these claims are rarely straightforward. Employers and insurance companies...

What to Do After a Disputed DBA Claim

Date30 Nov 2022

Civilian contractors working for the U.S. government or on a military base have certain workers’ compensation protections under the Defense Base Act (DBA). While some exceptions exist, these benefits apply to citizens and foreign workers. However, these protections are not guaranteed, and...

Do You Need to Be a U.S. Citizen to Qualify for DBA Benefits?

Date25 Nov 2022

The United States military maintains bases, embassies, and other installations in many parts of the world. In addition to U.S. military personnel and U.S. civilian contractors, these bases also employ foreign workers. According to the Department of Labor (DOL), qualifying employers must...

What to Do if an Employer Does Not Have DBA Insurance

Date15 Nov 2022

The Defense Base Act (DBA) and Longshore Act require every employer to obtain workers’ compensation benefits provided under the Act or be permissibly self-insured. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) is responsible for authorizing insurance carriers and self-insurance of employers. Employers...

Defense Base Act Coverage and Benefits

Date08 Nov 2022

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a form of workers’ compensation that applies to civilian employees working outside of the United States on a U.S. military base or as a contractor with the U.S. government. DBA insurance provides compensation for injury, disability,...

Open-Air Burn Pit Injuries

Date27 Oct 2022

During the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom era, the United States military operated various large burn pits to dispose of human and industrial waste at military bases. While most of the pits were designed for temporary military installations, the fumes...

What Happens After DBA Settlement Approval

Date21 Oct 2022

Pursuing compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA) can be a daunting and arduous process. These claims require a comprehensive understanding of complex procedural and substantive laws. Additionally, DBA claimants are often faced with difficult decisions regarding the best avenue for prompt...

Filing a Defense Base Act Claim

Date12 Oct 2022

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal workers’ compensation program for U.S. government contractors working overseas. It is critical that overseas contractors understand the Act, as courts have clarified that the DBA is the sole remedy for workers falling within the...

Top 5 Most Common DBA Workplace Accident Claims

Date20 Sep 2022

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...

Do Companies Need DBA Insurance?

Date20 Sep 2022

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides workers’ compensation benefits for civilian contractor employees working under government contracts outside the United States. DBA insurance provides a solution for US Government contractors who send employees and sub-contractors overseas. Employers who do not secure this...

Is There a Need for US Civilian Contractors in Ukraine?

Date31 Aug 2022

Is There a Need for US Civilian Contractors in Ukraine? The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought great suffering to the people of that land and those in other parts of the world. The calls for increased military spending may be a...

DBA Claims for Overuse Injuries

Date24 Aug 2022

DBA Claims for Overuse Injuries Those suffering from overuse injuries because of their occupation as a civilian employee working under contract with the U.S. government or outside the United States on U.S. military bases may be eligible for benefits under the Defense...

Securing Defense Base Act Benefits Quickly

Date17 Aug 2022

The Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP), in conjunction with the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (DLHWC), is responsible for reviewing and administering medical and disability claims for civilian employees injured overseas while working on a U.S. military base...

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Date18 Jul 2022

Post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”) is not a new diagnosis, however, the condition has only really begun to be understood by the medical community over the past few decades. Previously, PTSD was known as “shell shock,” however, in 1980, the condition was first...

Working in a Hostile Enemy Zone and PTSD

Date30 Jun 2022

Post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”) is a complex and potentially chronic condition that often occurs as a result of exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD can interfere with social and personal functioning, and as such, it is critical to identify risk factors that...

Can You Qualify for DBA Benefits for a PTSD Diagnosis?

Date26 Jun 2022

Over the past two decades, private contractors have been deployed worldwide. In addition to supporting foreign governments, many contractors support U.S. and allied forces, non-governmental organizations, and private businesses. These contractors provide maintenance, transportation, logistical support, communications, and construction services. At one...

Importance of the Defense Base Act for Private Military Contractors

Date20 Jun 2022

Private security contractors typically work as independent contractors for “private military companies” (“PMCs”). The Defense Base Act (“DBA”) provides significant benefits to injured contractors and death benefits to their qualifying survivors. However, following the death of four military contractors in Fallujah, many...

Appealing the Denial of a DBA Claim

Date10 Jun 2022

Under the Defense Base Act (“DBA”), the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) provides workers’ compensation benefits to civilian employees working overseas on a U.S. military base or under a government contract. However, as with many government programs and benefits, many people experience...

Injury Claims under the Defense Base Act

Date31 May 2022

Individuals who work overseas for the government often experience exposure to various traumatic events that can cause emotional distress and trigger psychological conditions. In some cases, these conditions go unnoticed until after the worker is re-deployed. These situations bring up many issues...

Statute of Limitations for Defense Base Act Claims

Date26 May 2022

The Defense Base Act (“DBA”) has a one-year statute of limitations. As such, under the DBA, claimants have one year after an injury to file a disability claim with the U.S. Department of Labor. However, claimants diagnosed with an “occupational disease” caused...

Defense Base Act Waivers

Date17 May 2022

Defense Base Act (“DBA”) insurance is a federal workers’ compensation law under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. The law requires insurance coverage for employees working under a U.S. Government contract or as a civilian on a military base abroad. Typical...

Qualifying Employees Under the Defense Base Act

Date10 May 2022

Congress enacted the Defense Base Act (“DBA”) to provide disability compensation benefits to a unique group of the American workforce, specifically, military contractors working abroad. According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, defense contractors accounted for over half of the...

Defense Base Act Claims for VA Burn Pit Injuries

Date01 May 2022

While most people understand the combat-related risks of serving in the military, there has been a recent emphasis on additional risks to active service members and civilian employees working on U.S. military bases abroad. In addition to acute physical injuries, some workers...

War Hazards and the Defense Base Act

Date23 Apr 2022

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (“LHWCA”) provides compensation to qualifying employees of maritime employers. Like the Federal Employment Compensation Act, the Office of Workers’ Compensation administers the LHWCA. The Defense Base Act (“DBA”) is an extension of the LHWCA and...

Frequently Asked Questions About the Defense Base Act

Date16 Apr 2022

The Defense Base Act (“DBA”) is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (“LHWCA”). Under the DBA, many federal government contractors and subcontractors must provide workers’ compensation insurance for employees working outside of the United States. Although the DBA...

Benefits Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

Date08 Apr 2022

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (“LHWCA”) is a federal law that provides benefits for certain types of maritime employees and civilian employees working on military bases abroad. Maritime employees refer to longshoremen, harbor workers, and other individuals who work on...

Resolving Defense Base Act Claims Through Settlements

Date31 Mar 2022

There are several ways to reach a resolution in a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim. A DBA attorney can assist claimants in making an informed decision regarding the best course of action. Resolution can come from litigation or settling before or during...

Obtaining Defense Base Act Benefits for PTSD

Date25 Mar 2022

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can range in severity and duration. Many people associate PTSD with combat; however, the condition can arise after a person experiences severe trauma or a life-threatening event. Those who have PTSD because of...

Comparing the Federal Jones Act to the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act

Date17 Mar 2022

Florida’s workers’ compensation statute is a mechanism for compensating individuals for work-related injuries. The spirit of this law stems from the idea of a quid pro relationship between employees and employers. As such, employers provide medical benefits and other benefits to employees...

Appealing a Defense Base Act Claim Denial

Date09 Mar 2022

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides compensation for disability or death to those employed at military, air, and naval bases outside of the United States. The Senate and House of Representatives enacted this Act to extend the federal workers’ compensation program. Those...

COVID-19 Claims under the Defense Base Act

Date27 Feb 2022

Government workers and contractors often operate under unique and challenging working environments. In certain instances, these working conditions may expose them to dangers, diseases, and illnesses that other workers do not frequently encounter. In the context of COVID-19, workers may experience barriers...

Recovering Damages Under the Jones Act

Date20 Feb 2022

Various statutes govern maritime conduct; however, the Jones Act is a critical federal statute to those who have suffered injuries during the regular course of their employment. Unlike land-based workers, neither federal nor state workers’ compensation applies to sailors and seamen. However,...

What Is the “Zone of Special Danger” Under the Defense Base Act?

Date15 Feb 2022

The Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, administers the Defense Base Act (DBA). The DBA is a critical law for those working overseas. The program provides workers’ compensation benefits to civilian employees working abroad on a U.S. military base or...

Increase in U.S. Military Civilian Contractors Workers Compensation Claims

Date08 Feb 2022

Service members and those who suffer the experience of wars are often left to heal physical and psychological trauma. While some wounds make their presence known immediately, many manifests after weeks, months, and even years after one has survived or witnessed a...

Injured at Someone’s Home: Can You Seek Damages?

Date24 Oct 2017

If you received an injury at someone’s home, you might have more medical bills and additional costs than you bargained for. But how can you know if your injury was caused by owner negligence that might warrant a lawsuit for injury compensation?...

Don’t Let an Out-of-State Accident Give You the Back-to-School Blues

Date31 Aug 2017

If you are in school or getting ready to go to school out of state, you need to be prepared in case you’re ever injured in a car accident. When an auto accident occurs between two drivers from two different states, questions...

What Trampoline Owners Should Know And Understand About Their Legal Liability

Date18 May 2017

The use of trampolines is a popular activity, and there is little doubt that trampolines are an enjoyable way to get much-needed exercise. However, trampolines also carry some risk. That means they may pose not only a physical danger to users, but...

What to Do if Injured Overseas

Date19 Mar 2017

When taking a position as an overseas contractor, many risks and hazards may accompany the work. Although an injury is not an expected result, if you are hurt, it is important to take necessary steps to ensure you are properly compensated. The...

Understanding the Benefits Available Under the Defense Base Act

Date12 Jan 2017

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a type of insurance that provides benefits and disability compensation to overseas U.S. government employees. Benefits are two-thirds of the employee’s weekly earnings, and have a weekly maximum rate. Here is a breakdown of the different...

The History of the Defense Base Act

Date21 Dec 2016

The Defense Base Act is a vital piece of legislation that has assisted numerous individuals over the years. It remains an important document in terms of workers’ rights. Why Was It Created? The DBA was first created in 1941 to provide a...

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