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If you are wondering whether you are eligible to seek Defense Base Act benefits, there are criteria you must meet to have a successful claim. Seek an evaluation by a nationwide Defense Base Act attorney right away. 

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a section of federal workers’ compensation law under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which provides benefits in the event of job-related injuries. This law applies to a specific category of workers who provide private defense contracts for the U.S. government and defense in foreign countries. Many – but not all – of these contractors work on U.S. military bases across the globe. 

If you are injured while working, you might not be sure whether you are covered by the DBA. You should discuss your rights with a nationwide Defense Base Act attorney right away. 

Having an Eligible Job

First, you must work in a position that is covered by the Defense Base Act to qualify for benefits following a work accident and injury. There are many, many different jobs overseas that qualify, such as:

  • Base and tower security guards
  • Personal security guards and specialists
  • Construction crews and engineers
  • Welders
  • Mechanics
  • Truck drivers
  • Medical workers
  • Interpreters, translators, and linguists
  • Electricians
  • Heavy equipment operators
  • Canine handlers
  • Firefighters
  • Food service workers
  • Flight attendants
  • Pilots
  • Cultural advisors
  • Police and military trainers
  • Laundry service and maintenance workers

The DBA should never discriminate based on job title or other protected characteristics, such as race, gender, nationality, and more. If a job qualifies as a Defense Base Act contractor, benefits should be provided, no matter what job the person performs. 

What Injuries Might Qualify You for DBA Benefits?

Many contractors are needed to conduct the missions of military forces overseas, and many people suffer injuries in this line of work. If your injuries happened in the course of your employment or stemmed from your employment, they should qualify you for benefits to cover your medical care and lost income. 

Many injuries can lead to a DBA claim, including:

  • Amputations
  • Respiratory diseases and asthma
  • Asbestosis and mesothelioma
  • Cancer
  • Back injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Toxic chemical exposure
  • Burns
  • Fractures
  • COPD
  • Electrical injuries
  • Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Hearing or vision problems
  • Skin irritations and conditions
  • PTSD and psychological injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Lead poisoning
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Silicosis
  • Whiplash
  • Tuberculosis
  • Tetanus

Some injuries stem from acute accidents or acts of violence, while other conditions develop due to the nature of a person’s job duties. In either situation, you should be granted benefits, though proving you are eligible can be more complicated than you might think. 

Speak with an Experienced Defense Base Act Attorney

Even if you have a qualified job and suffered injuries in the course of your employment, DBA insurance companies might still make it difficult for you to receive the benefits you need. Insurers have many tricks to limit payments to DBA contractors, but you should never settle for any less than you deserve under the law. 

The Defense Base Act attorneys at Mara Law Firm represent the rights of injured contractors, and we can assist with your claim. If you need help or received a claim denial, call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online today. 

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  • I remember screaming at a dear friend of mine saying, “WHY WON’T THE INSURANCE COVER MY TREATMENT!” He said, “…because they know if they do it will increase your settlement.” I said, “WHAT SETTLEMENT! I JUST WANT TO GET TREATMENT! I DIDN’T ASK FOR A SETTLEMENT!” Somewhere I found out that for some insurance companies they are more concerned with protecting their money. This means you are thinking about treatment and getting better while they are thinking about money. Get someone that is on your side that will fight for you. They fought for me…and won.

    Mara Law Firm ClientSan Francisco

  • He represented myself and many old CO-workers. They were very professional & I’d recommend them to anyone. Great Lawyers for the forgotten working man.

    ScottSan Francisco

  • I would definitely recommend David and really appreciated all the hard work he contributed. David really went the extra mile to help his customers. We were very happy and satisfied with his services. Thank you David!

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  • Mr. Mara was a pleasure to work with. He kept me in the loop. Can’t say enough how good it feels to have someone fighting for you, giving you a voice.

    AlbertSan Francisco

  • I was blown away by the results my case got. It far exceeded my expectations. Not only do you get someone who is a great professional; but he will fight for what you deserve. I was uncertain in the beginning; now I’m a believer. Mr. Mara is also personable. Lisa his paralegal was tremendous throughout the whole process. She would keep me updated on the whole process. Don’t cheat yourself by using anyone else; you will be taken care of the right way if you choose Dave

    Jerome HarrisSan Francisco

  • Mr. Mara and his firm helped me file a claim for death benefits on behalf of my late husband. I was very pleased with his knowledge, research, and representation regarding my DBA claim for death benefits. I would absolutely recommend him and its associates to my friends, family, and others needing an attorney who specializes in employment, personal injury, and death benefits. Mr. Mara was very compassionate, timely, and responsive to my family’s needs. I can’t thank him enough.

    Sally A ChandSan Francisco

  • Dave Mara did an outstanding job on my DBA case. Dave, I personally want to thank you for guiding me in the right direction and having a successful case outcome. God bless you for all the effort you put into my DBA case. Words can’t describe how thankful I am. Thank you for helping injured overseas contractors.

    Jim Joned San Francisco

  • Mr. Mara and his staff were very professional and I would highly recommend Mr. Mara. Mr. Mara had my best interests in settling my case and I am very appreciative of all he and his staff did for me. If I ever needed help or had simple questions, Mr. Mara and his staff were always available to take my calls and help me. Highly recommend this firm!

    DebSan Francisco

  • Dave Mara comes with a very high recommendation. He took a workman’s compensation case for me and really handled it well. It was an unclear case and a new issue that the WC most likely had never seen. He kept me up to date with the long confusing process and was very understanding and sympathetic to my plight( I was the victim of a violent crime). Dave has no big lawyer shenanigans and dramatic posing, he is a down-to-earth, fair, honest hard working lawyer who really does not seem like an an attorney at all. I recommend anyone in the SD area to consult with Dave it was a painless process.

    Linda DSan Francisco

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