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If a company is a government contractor and sends employees to work overseas on Department of Defense (DOD) contracts, the employer must have DBA insurance. This is a requirement under the Defense Base Act, and this insurance acts similarly to workers’ compensation insurance for domestic employees. 

If you believe your employer does not have proper coverage or will not cover injuries or illnesses you suffered on the job, speak with a DBA attorney immediately about your options.

An Employer’s Responsibility

Before a company sends contractors overseas to work on DOD contracts, it must obtain DBA coverage and inform the employee of the details of benefits and how to file a claim if necessary. There are a few exceptions to this requirement.

Employers who do not secure coverage can face serious penalties, including imprisonment of up to a year and fines of up to $11,000. In addition, employees might file lawsuits against their employers if they suffer injuries on the job and realize there is not appropriate DBA coverage. 

DBA Policy Rates

Like most types of insurance coverage, the cost of carrying DBA insurance will vary depending on many factors. These are some factors that insurers consider when calculating premiums:

  • A company’s total payroll per year for overseas employees
  • Where the employees are located overseas and associated risks
  • How many trips must employees take and for how long
  • How many employees will be working overseas
  • Transportation plans for employees within a specific country
  • Whether the employees will work on or off a military base
  • The qualifications of the employees
  • A company’s prior claims with DBA insurance on behalf of employees

Premiums usually range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year for a company, with higher premiums when there is greater risk to employees. Higher payroll also means higher premiums.

However, most reasonable DBA premiums can be reimbursed by the government as part of the contract. This means in most situations, a company is not ultimately responsible for premiums, so there is no excuse not to carry the necessary DBA coverage.

DBA Benefits

If an employee suffers injuries as an overseas contractor or civilian worker, they are entitled to benefits as applicable to their situation. These benefits include:

  • Coverage of all medical expenses to treat the illness or injury
  • Disability benefits of two-thirds of their usual weekly earnings if they cannot work due to their injuries
  • Death benefits to a surviving spouse or child if an employee suffers fatal injuries connected to their overseas work. 

Getting full benefits can be an uphill battle, so it is advisable for injured workers or their families to seek assistance from a DBA lawyer. 

Speak with a DBA Claims Attorney Today

No matter the cost of DBA insurance, all civilian government contractors should have proper coverage. If you do not believe your employer had proper coverage or you were otherwise denied your rightful DBA benefits, you need the right legal help from the DBA attorneys at Mara Law Firm. Contact us today to discuss your options.

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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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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