NATIONWIDE What is DBA Insurance in The U.S.?
Most workers in the United States who get injured or are killed in work-related accidents are protected under state workers’ compensation laws, which provide benefits to these workers if they need medical care and are unable to work because of their injuries. However, this law only applies to workers in the U.S. and is not available in all work-related accidents. To address one specific situation that is not covered under domestic workers’ compensation laws, Congress passed the Defense Base Act or DBA.
If you believe you should be covered under DBA insurance and need benefits, reach out to an experienced DBA attorney for help.
Who is Covered Under DBA Insurance?
DBA insurance is available to any worker or employee, whether they are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or foreigners, who meet the following criteria:
- Is a subcontractor
- Works under a contract with a U.S. government agency in areas such as construction, the service industry, and others connected with national defense or in relation to war outside the U.S.
- Works as a civilian for a private contractor providing services to U.S. military bases both within and outside the United States and in any U.S military operations within the United States or its territories and in foreign lands
- Works under contract on overseas assignments approved and funded by the U.S. government under the USAID Foreign Assistance Act
- Works for a private company employer providing humanitarian or similar services for the Armed Forces outside the United States
Defense Base Act Insurance Benefits
The DBA insurance provides many benefits, including the following:
- Worker benefits mandated under the law and payable to workers, their dependents, or medical providers when the covered employee suffers work-related injuries or death
- These statutory benefits are paid to eligible beneficiaries regardless of an employer’s fault or responsibility for the injury
- Protection of an employer against liability for lawsuits brought against them from victims of work-related injury or illness, including negligence claims
What Does The Defense Base Act Cover?
The DBA insurance covers a variety of situations involving workers who have been injured or killed while working on a government contract. Some of the things covered include the following::
- Medical: Anyone working as a government contractor that gets injured on the job is entitled to seek and receive medical treatment by a doctor of their choice or as the injury may require.
- Burial Benefits: If an employee or worker is killed at work, then their loved ones are entitled to seek and obtain money to cover burial costs burial benefits
- Lost Wages and Income: An employee or worker who is severely injured or killed while at work is entitled to a portion of their wages.
- Disability Benefits: If the person injured is disabled and unable to work, they can obtain compensation for total disability amounting to two-thirds (2/3) of the individual’s average weekly earnings. If circumstances warrant, the disability benefits can be paid out for the individual’s life. It is also possible for the injured person to receive partial loss of earnings.
- Death Benefits: If the employee or worker is killed on the job, their surviving spouse or one child can obtain half of that individual’s earnings or to one child. No death benefits are paid if there are no dependents.
Contact The Mara Law Firm about Your DBA Claim
Contact us today
to schedule a free confidential consultation with our Defense Base Act Lawyers. Our dedicated staff will provide you with the attention and consideration that 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.