Working for the Army as a Civilian Contractor – Workers’ Comp Through the DBA

Posted on Wednesday November 29, 2023

If you’re working as a contractor for the U.S. Army, you have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA). These benefits include medical care, disability payments, and death benefits in case of an injury or fatality while on duty. Make sure you’re fully covered and get the compensation you need by contacting a DBA attorney today.

Receiving DBA Benefits

To receive DBA benefits, it’s important to report any work-related injury or illness to your employer. They will then report the incident to the Department of Labor, which is responsible for handling DBA claims. You’ll also need evidence from a doctor showing that your condition hinders your ability to work.

If you happen to file a disability claim under the DBA, you’ll receive two-thirds of your wage. The DBA also offers rehabilitation and retraining.

If a civilian contractor in the U.S. Army passes away due to a work-related injury or illness, the DBA offers death benefits and covers funeral expenses for family members and dependents. The surviving spouse receives 50% of the employee’s weekly wage for life or until they remarry. Children receive compensation until they reach the age of 18. If they are full-time students, benefits stop at 23.

Requirements for Receiving Compensation under the Defense Base Act

To be eligible for compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA) there are requirements that must be met as a civilian contractor in the U.S. Army.

Firstly, you need to either be a US citizen or a resident employed outside the US. You need to be responsible for rendering work-related services on base or under a government contract. This includes job roles such as construction workers, security guards, linguists, engineers, and administrative staff.

Secondly, your injury, disability, or death must directly stem from your employment. This means it should have been caused by your job responsibilities or work environment.

For instance, if you happen to stumble and fall on your work premises, it would be considered a qualifying factor in receiving compensation. If you happen to injure yourself while skiing over the weekend, that usually wouldn’t qualify.

Report any work-related injuries or illnesses to your employer as soon as possible. They will then notify the Department of Labor, which oversees the DBA program. Failing to report a work-related injury in a timely manner may put your claim at risk.

How to File a Claim Under the Defense Base Act if Injured as a Contractor

Once more, when you sustain an injury while working as a contractor for the US Army abroad, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA). To receive these benefits, follow the steps below to file your claim.

Notify Your Employer

Firstly, inform your employer about your injury as soon as possible. Provide them with details regarding how, when, and where the incident occurred.

Fill in the Proper Paperwork

Your employer has a responsibility to report your injury to the Department of Labor within ten days. Afterward, you will need to fill out forms in order to formally file your DBA claim. All necessary forms must be submitted to the Department of Labor for processing and approval of your claim. 

It’s possible that the DOL may request information or supporting documents during this process as well. That is why you need to work with a DBA lawyer to make sure you’re fully covered. Doing so will streamline the processing of your claim and guarantee that you receive the benefits you deserve when you need them the most.

Contact a DBA Injury Lawyer Now

If you have concerns about filing a DBA claim, contact a well-recognized DBA lawyer now. Contact the Mara Law Firm for a consultation today.