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Your employer must have DBA coverage for all employees before you begin work overseas. Make sure you understand the details of the insurance in case you need to file a claim. Never hesitate to seek help from an experienced DBA attorney

The DBA also requires certain safety standards for workplaces. Don’t hesitate to report any unsafe conditions to prevent potential accidents and injuries.

If you do suffer an illness, injury, or emergency while working for a government contractor or on a military base, notify your employer ASAP. 

You should file a DBA claim within three days of getting injured. Your employer is required to submit the form LS-202, Employer’s First Report of Injury, if you still cannot work within 10 days of getting injured. 

Lost wages are typically reimbursed at about two-thirds of the contractor’s average earnings per week, up to a maximum amount weekly, until they can return to their job or optimum medical improvement is achieved. Employers do not have to pay damages for pain and suffering.

How the DBA Protects US Overseas Contractors?

The Defense Base Act (DBA) ensures rights and protections for individuals employed by government contractors who work overseas on US bases or under government contracts. 

If you experience an injury or illness while working overseas, the DBA guarantees the receipt of workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include disability payments, reimbursements for medical care, payments for lost earnings, and death benefits to surviving loved ones and family.

Your employer is obligated to obtain DBA insurance coverage and provide you with information regarding your rights and entitlements.

Unfortunately, some government contractors may try to avoid their obligations under the DBA. They may tell you that DBA insurance can’t cover your injury or illness, or they may deny or delay benefits when an injury occurs.

By speaking to a DBA lawyer, you can file your case and receive the remuneration you deserve.

Seeking Justice: Legal Recourse for Government Contractors Denied DBA Benefits

If you’ve been denied DBA benefits, there are steps you can take to fight for the compensation and medical care you need.

Legal Action

The first step is to consult with a lawyer who specializes in DBA claims. They can review your case details and determine if your employer violated the law by denying your benefits. If so, they may be able to take legal action on your behalf.

  • File a DBA lawsuit against your employer. This can force them to pay owed compensation to cover medical bills and lost earnings. Make sure the attorney you choose specializes in DBA cases.
  • Report employer violations to the DOL. The Department of Labor can investigate your claim and take its own legal action, which may result in the payment of fines – forcing the company to comply with DBA requirements.
  • Appeal a denied claim. If your claim for benefits was wrongly denied, your lawyer can help you file an appeal with the Department of Labor to have the decision overturned. Provide any additional details or evidence to strengthen the facts of your case.

DBA lawyers typically charge a contingency fee, meaning they only get it if they win your case. They charge an agreed percentage of the settlement you receive.

However, some lawyers charge by the hour or assess a fixed rate for giving advice. Make sure you understand the fee structure before you submit a claim. 

Call a DBA Lawyer Today

Do you have a question about DBA insurance? or, about what is the Defense Base Act. Have you been denied benefits? If so, you need to contact a DBA lawyer without delay. Contact Mara Law Firm to discuss your case today.

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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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