Working Overseas for a US Company Under the DBA

Posted on Thursday August 31, 2023

Working overseas for a US company today is easier than ever. However, choosing to work for a company overseas also involves navigating some important legal obligations. If you work as a defense-based contractor, you need to know more about the Defense Base Act (DBA) and how it applies to your employment.

The DBA is designed to provide basic protections for overseas workers employed in specific occupations. The following information gives you more insights into your rights and entitlements under the DBA. To discuss your case, seek help from a DBA attorney. 

Defining the Defense Base Act

The DBA came into law in 1941. It extends workers’ compensation coverage to civilian workers who work outside the U.S. on military bases or as U.S. government contractors for national defense activities or public works. 

If you’re employed by an overseas company that focuses on U.S. national defense activities or another similar contract, you may take advantage of the benefits provided by this legislation.

Why the DBA is Important

The DBA’s main purpose is to ensure employees who work in potentially dangerous environments as part of their overseas work receive sufficient medical care, rehab benefits, and protection for either disability or death related to a work-related incident.

Steps for Compliance

To guarantee you’re following the rules associated with the DBA, you need to do the following:

1. Determine if your employment assignment falls under DBA coverage. For example, does your work involve activities or services related to a national defense contract or public works? Is it associated with the U.S. government?

2. Make sure you work with an employer that provides DBA insurance. Employers who employ a workforce covered by the DBA must acquire DBA insurance. Confirm if your employer has the coverage and knows about their obligations. If your employer does not have the protection, speak to a DBA attorney to learn more about the situation and how to express your rights.

3. Become well-acquainted with your benefits. These benefits include medical care, disability compensation, and death benefits for family survivors. Find out what coverage entails and how the claim process works.

4. Maintain detailed records. Keep accurate records of work-related injuries or incidents when filing a DBA claim. You need to be detailed if you wish to access your DBA benefits. If you need an attorney’s support, speak to them so you know how to proceed.

5. Get legal help if you’re experiencing problems with getting your benefits. It’s always a good idea to have a lawyer in the wings. If you can’t access the DBA benefits to which you’re entitled or encounter a dispute with your employer, talk to a lawyer who understands DBA law.

Working for an overseas US company opens up new opportunities. However, when you’re employed in this capacity, you also need to prioritize your safety and well-being. That’s why you need to understand the legal landscape when it comes to receiving compensation and benefits. 

By speaking to a DBA lawyer, you’ll be better able to abide by DBA regulations and make sure you’re completely covered legally and financially.

Contact a DBA Lawyer Now

To learn more about your DBA rights, contact a lawyer who is well-acquainted with the DBA and DBA insurance. Call the Mara Law Firm for further details today.