Every year American employers report more than 2.7 million workplace injuries. These injuries may be accidental or occur as a result of workplace negligence. No matter their cause, you may be entitled to compensation while you recover from your injury.

Unfortunately, workplace compensation insurance won’t cover the 9 million Americans working outside of the US. So what can you do if you’re injured while working abroad? 

Read on to find out everything you need to know about Defense Base Act claims and how DBA lawyers can help.

What is the Defense Base Act? 

The Defense Base Act (or DBA) dates back to August 1941 and is part of the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act.

This act makes it a legal requirement to provide insurance coverage for any employees working on US Government contracts. This includes those working on contracts outside of the US.

Employees making DBA claims should be able to access disability compensation, death benefits, and financial compensation for medical expenses.

Who Can Make Defense Base Act Claims? 

Employees can make DBA claims regardless of their nationality, provided that they: 

• Are working on government agency public contracts
• Are subcontracted to work on government agency contracts
• Work on military bases or overseas military territories on private contracts
• Work on contracts that have been funded under the USAID Foreign Assistance Act 
• Work for an American employer that provides welfare and aid services to the American Armed Forces operating outside of the US

If you work as a subcontractor then the primary contractor has a responsibility to provide DBA insurance coverage.

Anyone who meets these criteria can make a claim for compensation for injuries that happened at work or as a result of their work. This can include accidental injuries, chronic conditions, and mental health conditions resulting from their work.

How Can a Defense Base Act Lawyer Help?

If you want to make a DBA claim then you can do this through your work. However, it is a good idea to get support from an experienced Defense Base Act Attorney first. 

A DBA attorney will be able to: 

• Review the facts of your case (usually in a free consultation)
• Advise you on the type of compensation that you should seek
• Help you collect evidence to support your compensation case
• Liaise directly with the insurance companies and your employer on your behalf
• Represent your interests if your settlement case is reviewed by a judge
• Act as your representative in the US if you are unable to return home

A DBA lawyer can provide a lot of practical support while you make your claim. This means that you can focus on energy on the thing that is most important  — your recovery.

Get Help From DBA Lawyers Today

As you can see, if you have been injured while working abroad on a government contract you could be entitled to serious compensation. 

In that case, get in touch today to find out what Barnes DBA lawyers can do for you — we’re here to help!