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

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. military bases in a national defense or diplomacy capacity or as a civilian working on an American federal military contract. The DBA insurance program is expansive, covering all service contracts and full-time employees at American defense bases throughout the world.

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 claims have been increasing since fiscal year 2015 and saw a jump from 6,627 DBA claims in fiscal year 2017 to 6,694 DBA claims in fiscal year 2018. While the number of DBA claims does not serve as a complete or official casualty statistic for civilian contract injuries and deaths, it is a good indicator of the relative safety of overseas contractors in the field. The continued increase in DBA claims highlights the inherent risk that civilian contractors face as they work to help protect and serve service members abroad.

The risk that contractors are exposed to is evident in the benefits afforded to contractors under the DBA. Such benefits include but are not limited to (1) death benefits, (2) rehabilitation and occupational training services, (3) scheduled injury payments, (4) disability compensation, (5) reimbursement of lost wages, and (6) physician of choice. While the level of risk that overseas civilian contractors may be high, the benefits available are calibrated to meet those needs.

Benefits such as reimbursement for misplaced wages, choice of physician, disability compensation, rehabilitation and occupational training, and scheduled injury payments allow injured workers and their families to get back on their feet or maintain a certain level of comfort following a serious injury while working. A benefit such as death benefits ensures that a worker’s family will not be subject to financial ruin if something results in the death of the contractor while in the field. Receiving the maximum award for a DBA claim is essential to protecting workers and their families.

Do You Need Help with Your Defense Base Act Claim?

If you or someone you love has or is considering filing a Defense Base Act claim, let the attorneys at Friedman Rodman & Frank fight to help you recover the damages you deserve. Expenses and injuries sustained on the job can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced roster of DBA attorneys by your side can make a world of difference in the compensation you receive. Our experienced attorneys have successfully represented injured workers at every stage of their claims, ensuring that they obtain the compensation that they deserve. With our team, you can have faith that your claim is being pursued properly. If you have questions about your case, call us today at 877-627-5116 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a DBA lawyer.