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Things to Know About the Defense Base Act

Posted on Wednesday November 04, 2020
Things to Know About the Defense Base Act

Many defense contractors are injured on the job, and the Defense Base Act (DBA) can provide important benefits for medical care and disability. It is important to understand how the DBA works and protects your rights after work injuries. 

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a law that provides the equivalent of domestic workers’ compensation benefits to defense contractors who suffer injuries while working overseas. This can be a complex law, and it is important for all contractors to be familiar with basic concepts of the law. The following are only some examples of what you should know about the Defense Base Act. To discuss your specific situation, contact our DBA lawyers at Mara Law Firm for a consultation. 

What is the DBA?

Simply put, the DBA is a federal statute that provides benefits to civilian contractors who suffer injuries on jobs in foreign countries. The Department of State and Department of Defense both employ a number of contractors working on foreign assignments, and they deserve coverage for job-related injuries, just like domestic employees. 

What Locations are Covered by the DBA?

The DBA covers defense contractors working worldwide. Many defense employees work in Iraq or Afghanistan, but other locations can include Qatar, Kuwait, South America, Africa, or even places like Antarctica. 

What Does DBA Coverage Entail?

The law provides injured workers with different benefits, including:

  • Medical treatment
  • Lost income
  • Vocational rehabilitation (in some cases)
  • Disability benefits
  • Death benefits for families of deceased workers

What Do You Do after a Work-Related Injury?

After a work-related injury, you should report what happened to your supervisor right away. If you require emergency transportation and treatment, you should focus on that, and notify your employer as soon as possible afterward. If you can inform your supervisor after your injury, do so and then seek the treatment you need. Either way, you only have 30 days to tell your employer, and it is best to notify them as quickly as you can. 

After you begin receiving treatment, you should contact a DBA lawyer to discuss a claim for benefits. Generally speaking, you only have one year to prepare and file your claim, so you should never wait to start the process with a legal professional. 

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Some people assume that since the law provides them benefits, they will automatically receive those benefits and do not need the help of an attorney. However, the claim process can be surprisingly complicated, and DBA insurers can find many ways to challenge your claim for benefits. The right lawyer can prepare a claim with all the necessary information and documentation, as well as communicate with insurers and fight for the full benefits you deserve for your injuries. 

Contact Our Experienced DBA Lawyers for Assistance

At the Mara Law Firm, we help defense contractors who suffered a wide range of injuries in many different locations around the world. If you sustained injuries on the job for the government, you should not wait to contact our legal team to make sure your medical bills and other losses are covered. Contact us online or call (619) 234-2833 for your free consultation today.

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