What is the Defense Base Act (DBA)?

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 these bases had coverage for injuries that might arise, Congress passed the Defense Base Act (DBA) in 1941. The law was initially passed as a temporary measure to account for increased civilian involvement overseas during World War II, and as a result, was a mere 2,000 words long. The short, the DBA was an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) of 1927, requiring contractors working overseas to purchase insurance similar to that required by the LHWCA.

What began as a temporary measure has evolved into a sprawling insurance and claims process. Today, civilian military contractors have a larger profile than ever before, playing a significant role in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. From delivering supplies, flue, and water to frontline troops, to guarding U.S. diplomats and translating for soldiers and marines during raids, U.S. military contractors are present in many different capacities overseas. Between Iraq and Afghanistan, over 1,400 civilian workers have died and over 32,000 have been wounded or injured.

Under the DBA, such civilian contracts, American and non-American, receive workers’ compensation benefits, including medical care and compensation. However, things are not as simple as that, and civilian workers that experienced devastating injuries supporting military efforts overseas often face a daunting task when they return home. It can be a grinding battle to receive basic medical care, treatment for artificial limbs, psychological counseling, and other necessary recovery services. Within the DBA claims system, contractors are forced to navigate a federally supervised insurance system marked by high costs and extreme delays.

DBA insurance carriers are frequently large insurance companies that operate on a business model attempting to avoid the costs associated with payouts. As a result, it can be in their interest to fight DBA claims as much as possible, and even investigate claimants after their settlements to see if they continue to adhere to the injuries or harm that they claimed. Navigating the process is nuanced and complex, and having legal professionals fighting on your side can make all of the difference in your claim.

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.