Blog

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...