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

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 hazardous environments and deserve significant benefits and protections in the case of injuries. The DBA law itself is an extension of the U.S. Worker’s Compensation Program from 1941 that was initially 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 program is broad, covering all service contracts and full-time employees at American defense bases around the globe. A common question about the DBA involves injuries covered under the program.

What Are Common Injuries That Qualify for DBA Claims?

Since the DBA was implemented, some types of injuries have emerged as more common than others. These injuries range from intuitive ones, such as heavy machinery damage on the job, to less visible suffering, such as mental or emotional injuries. Regardless of which category a worker’s injury falls into, with the right legal guidance, qualified injuries should make for a strong DBA case.

Machinery Injuries

Injuries resulting from the operation of heavy machinery can be devastating for a worker. The intense nature of industrial and heavy machinery creates opportunities for more severe injuries than in other forms of work. Equipment malfunctions, lack of training, or negligent maintenance can all result in serious injuries to the worker operating the machinery, causing them short-term, long-term, or permanent issues.

Aggravation Injury

Many contractors and employees may have pre-existing injuries or illnesses that were not caused by work. However, for DBA claims aggravation injuries include the worsening of a pre-existing injury due to work-related activities. Work on defense bases can often result in intense activities and exertion, leading to the possibility of work events creating physical strain and contributing to existing issues. Such injuries include worsening back pain, joint pains, or even re-injury for surgically repaired tissue or body parts.

Invisible Injuries

Psychological or emotional injuries, also known as invisible injuries because they are not physically visible, all qualify for DBA claims if they are due to work-related activities. Common examples include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. The best DBA claims that address emotional or psychological injuries require consulting mental health professionals, expert testimony, and clear documentation and evidence.

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 877-448-8585 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a DBA