Defense Base Act FAQs
Our Attorneys Explain theYour Legal Rights as an Injured Civilian Contractor Working Abroad
The Defense Base Act was implemented in 1942. This law requires that any employer of civilians working overseas under U.S. government contracts must provide workers’ compensation for its employees.
In 1953 The Defense Base Act was expanded to cover any overseas employees providing contract work that classifies as “national defense.” Two years later, The Defense Base Act was expanded further to mandate coverage for non-U.S. citizens under U.S. contract, as well. Additionally, The Defense Base Act was expanded at that time to include employees of so-called “morale organizations” – such as the USO.
Who Can File for Workers Compensation or Disability Benefits under the Defense Base Act?
There are four different types of employees who are covered under the Defense Base Act. If you fall into ANY one of these categories, and you were injured or made ill during the course of your work abroad, you are covered under the Defense Base Act. These criteria apply regardless of your nationality.
- Civilian employees who work for a private employer either on a United States military base abroad, or on land that is used by the United States for its military purposes.
- Civilian employees who work overseas on a public works contract for any United States government agency (including construction or civil engineering) that falls under the heading of national defense or war activities.
- Civilian employees who work under a contract approved and funded by the U.S. government abroad, including but not limited to selling military services and equipment to U.S. allies.
- Civilian employees who work a company or organization which provides moral and welfare services to the military abroad, such as the USO.
If you think you may fall into one of these categories, and you have been injured or made sick or disabled while working abroad, our experienced Defense Base Act lawyers will provide you with a free consultation to help you understand your rights under the Defense Base Act.
When Can an Injured Government Contract Employee File a Defense Base Act Claim?
Under the Defense Base Act, you must notify your employer in writing within 30 days of the incident, if you are an employee who was injured on the job while working abroad. Additionally, an official claim has to be filed within one year of the injury, accident or illness.
If you have been injured or made sick while working abroad, time is of the essence under the Defense Base Act. Our experienced Defense Base Act lawyers will provide you with an immediate free consultation to help you understand your rights under the Defense Base Act.
What Employee Injuries or Disabilities are covered Under the Defense Base Act?
Our lawyers would like to point out that US government contract workers almost every occupation and under almost all federal contracts may be entitled to workers compensation disability benefits for almost ANY injury or disability that is work related. Some of the most common Defense Base Act claims arise from:
- Back Injury or Spinal Injury
- Nail Gun Injuries
- Noise Injuries and Hearing Loss
- Paraplegia or Quadriplegia
- Herniated Disc / Ruptured Disc
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder / PTSD
- Automobile / Vehicle Accidents
- Ocular / Eye Injuries and Blindness
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Broken Limbs, Arms, Legs, Ankles
But remember, in many Defense Base Act legal claims, the insurance company that has to pay the DBA claim has a team of lawyers on their side to try and minimize the amount of compensation paid to the injured civilian employee. Their attorneys may fight aggressively to try and prove that you are not disabled in order to minimize the workers compensation award that they have to pay. Only an experienced DBA lawyer can assertively protect your rights against a hostile defense attorney.
Our Lawyers Get Maximum Defense Base Compensation
Cantrell Green is one of the most experienced Defense Base Act law firms in the United States. Our attorneys have successfully handled Defense Base Act cases for civilians who were employed in the Middle East, across Europe and in many other overseas locations and military installations.
If you have been injured or made sick while working abroad for a U.S. government contractor, our experienced Defense Base Act lawyers will provide you with a free consultation to help you understand your workers compensation and disability benefit rights under the Defense Base Act.
Free Defense Base Act Workers’ Compensation Consultation: 562-622-4800
If you were working under a federal government contract on a military installation, or at certain other overseas U.S. government contractor locations, and you were injured, disabled, or made sick, you may qualify for Defense Base Act (DBA) compensation.
The Law Office of Cantrell Green is a group of highly qualified and experienced workers’ compensation attorneys who have obtained millions of dollars in Defense Base Act workers’ compensation benefits for injured and disabled civilians working abroad. If you were hurt while working overseas call today for a free consultation.
Free Defense Base Act Consultation: 800-964-8047
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