confidential & free consultation
All eligible civilian employees injured abroad while working under a U.S. government contract are entitled to compensation. This is according to the Defense Base Act (DBA). 42 USC §1651, et seq. The DBA is an extension of the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). The compensation includes medical benefits and disability compensation. Also, under the DBA, all eligible survivors of a civilian contractor killed while working overseas are eligible for death benefits.
If you were a civilian contractor injured while working overseas such as in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Guantanamo Bay or Southeast Asia, contact Mara Law Firm. We are DBA lawyers ready to help you obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
Before you can receive compensation, you must meet certain criteria. It is important to stress that nationality is not one of the criteria. If you were injured while working overseas and you meet any of the following criteria, you are eligible:
If you are a civilian injured while working overseas, you’re entitled to medical benefits, compensation, and other benefits, according to the DBA. The DBA is a federal law. It significantly differs from California workers’ compensation laws. The Mara Law Firm has specialized in DBA cases for over a decade. We are familiar with the U.S. Department of Labor claims process and the Office of Administrative Law Judges’ formal hearing process. When you need help with a DBA case, call our Defense Base Act attorneys at the Mara Law Firm.
The Defense Base Act (DBA) doesn’t limit the definition of a civilian employee. Eligible civilian employees include, but are not limited to:
You are eligible to receive temporary or permanent disability benefits. For example, you will receive ⅔ of your average weekly earnings. There is a maximum amount you can receive. The amount will change depending on the average wage rates and the economy. The calculation is made on the 52 weeks worked before your injury.
You are also eligible for:
You have the right to choose your doctor to treat your injuries.
If you already have a pre-existing condition and it is aggravated, you may also receive compensation. The main requirement is that your employment overseas must accelerate, aggravate, or connect with a disease or condition for which you’re seeking compensation.
Tragically, some civilian workers are killed during their employment. Fortunately, the DBA benefits the family members or next of kin.
Contact us today to schedule a free confidential consultation with our Defense Base Act Lawyers. Our dedicated staff will give you the attention and consideration you deserve in your time of need. Our Defense Base Act attorneys at the Mara Law Firm will devote ourselves to protecting your interests and obtaining the maximum benefits that your case merits.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney David Mara who has more than 20 years of legal experience in employment law.
If you are in need of employment litigation attorney in California or have been injured overseas while under a military contract and are in need of a defense base act attorney. Please fill out the form below and contact us immediately for a FREE consultation.
all fields are required*