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What is the Defense Base Act?

Posted on Tuesday October 31, 2023
What is the Defense Base Act?

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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