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DBA insurance is an insurance policy that arose through the Defense Base Act for government contractors. Therefore, DBA insurance is a form of workers’ compensation that applies to contract employees who work at U.S. defense sites or military bases overseas.

DBA benefits allow overseas employees to receive reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages – just like people who receive workers’ compensation in the U.S. 

You may need to contact a DBA lawyer if you don’t believe you’re receiving your entitled benefits. This is true whether your employer has or does not have DBA coverage.

DBA Insurance – Why It Has Become Increasingly Important

The Defense Base Act (DBA) has protected overseas workers under military contracts since 1942. Over the past two decades, though, the U.S. military has added to its civilian contractors in places like the Middle East. This has escalated the number of workers’ compensation claims.

Legal advisors often recommend that you seek DBA legal representation if you’re seeking benefits under the DBA. You need to be a U.S. citizen to receive the coverage.

Specific Employees Covered Under the DBA

The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP), Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation administers and oversees the DBA to make sure all the proper employees receive money for on-the-job illnesses and injuries.

Employees Entitled to Receive DBA Benefits

Workers covered under DBA protection include:

  • People who work for private companies on U.S. military bases or on lands that the U.S. uses for military reasons outside the country.
  • Workers engaged in public work contracts with a U.S. government agency. These contracts may involve national defense construction and service agreements. They may also relate to war activities outside the U.S.
  • Workers who are performing work outside the U.S. that is contractually approved and financially supported by the federal government under the Foreign Assistance Act.
  • Employees who work for U.S. employers that provide welfare or morale services outside the U.S. for the benefit of the Armed Forces, such as the USO.

How to File a DBA Insurance Claim

Report your DBA insurance claim immediately to your supervisor. They should authorize medical care ASAP, when necessary.

More specifically, file your DBA workers’ comp claim within three days of your reported injury if you’re having trouble performing your job.

If you have not been able to work for one or more shifts, your employer is required to file a First Report of Injury, Form LS-202, within a 10-day time frame from the recorded illness or injury. 

Lost wages for DBA claims are typically reimbursed at around two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly pay, up to the weekly maximum. The compensation continues until the employee returns to work or a doctor states that medical improvement is reached.

Employers are required to pay a worker’s medical costs through DBA protection. However, they do not have to pay damages for pain and suffering. 

Receive Further Help from a DBA Lawyer Today

Strict time limits apply when you’re seeking compensation for medical costs and lost wages. If you have questions about filing a DBA claim, you should speak to a DBA lawyer ASAP. Contact the Mara Law Firm now to learn more about your rights. 

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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.

  • 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!

    Mara Law Firm ClientSan Francisco

  • 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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