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

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, on a base, or even while traveling between job sites.

It does not matter whether you were injured in a blast, developed PTSD after repeated trauma, or slipped while performing your daily tasks. If your injury happened while performing your duties under a covered contract, you are likely entitled to medical treatment and lost wage benefits. But getting those benefits is rarely simple.

The DBA Covers More Than You May Think

Many workers don’t realize they’re eligible. The Defense Base Act applies to a wide range of roles and contracts. It covers:

• Civilian contractors providing logistics, construction, or security services
• Workers supporting the U.S. Armed Forces in foreign countries
• Employees of private companies working on projects funded by the U.S. government

This includes interpreters, electricians, supply drivers, and healthcare professionals. Even office staff can qualify if their injury occurred during the course of their work.

Why Claims Get Denied or Delayed

Just because you file a DBA claim does not mean it will be approved. Insurers often challenge claims on technical grounds. They may argue that your injury was not related to your job duties or claim that your condition existed before you were hired. They may delay payment, deny treatment, or force you to see doctors they selected.

You might also face challenges if your injury is psychological or delayed in onset. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries do not always show immediate symptoms. Yet they can severely impact your ability to work, sleep, or live a normal life.

You Should Not Be Left Alone to Fight This Battle

Trying to handle a DBA claim on your own can be overwhelming. The process involves tight deadlines, strict documentation, and adversarial hearings. If you miss a key step, you risk losing the compensation you need to support your recovery.

An experienced attorney can step in to manage your case, gather evidence, push back against unfair denials, and represent you at hearings. Most importantly, you gain an advocate who knows how to present your case in a way that the Department of Labor will recognize and approve.

DBA Injuries Can Have Long-Term Consequences

Even a “minor” injury can spiral into a long-term disability when you are working overseas without access to familiar doctors and support systems. You might struggle to access specialized care or navigate the claims process from another time zone.

Whether your injury happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, Guam, or anywhere else under a covered contract, the long-term costs can be severe. You might need surgery, rehabilitation, counseling, or future wage replacement. The DBA provides these benefits—but you may have to fight for them.

Reach Out Before You Accept Any Settlement

If you’ve already been offered a settlement by the insurance company, don’t sign anything yet. Many injured workers receive lowball offers designed to minimize the insurer’s liability. Once you accept a settlement, you may give up the right to future benefits—even if your condition worsens.

An attorney who understands the Defense Base Act can help you understand the true value of your claim, including future medical costs, wage loss, and any disability rating you may receive.

Talk to a Defense Base Act Lawyer About Your Rights

You took the job to support military efforts overseas. If you were hurt in the process, you should not be left to suffer in silence. Call Friedman Rodman & Frank, P.A. today at 1-877-448-8585 for a confidential, free consultation with one of our DBA lawyers. You do not pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf.