The Defense Base Act and Your Defense Base Act Case
"Injured While Working Overseas? Defense Base Act Workers' Compensation Claims"
If you, or someone you care about, has suffered a physical injury or developed psychological issues while working as a contractor overseas, contact us today to discuss your Defense Base Act (DBA) claim.
The Defense Base Act provides essential workers' compensation benefits to civilian employees working outside the United States, whether on U.S. military bases or under contracts with the U.S. government for public works, national defense, or related activities.
How to File a Defense Base Act Claim:
DBA claims are filed with and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, specifically through the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation.
Coverage Under
the Defense Base Act
The Defense Base Act covers the following employment activities:
"Employment on U.S. Military Bases Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage"
If you're working for private employers on U.S. military bases or on lands used by the U.S. for military purposes outside the United States, including U.S. Territories and possessions, your employment may be covered under the Defense Base Act (DBA). The DBA provides workers' compensation benefits to employees working on government contracts abroad or on military installations, ensuring protection for workers engaged in supporting U.S. military operations overseas.
"Public Work Contracts with U.S. Government Agencies, Including Construction and Service Contracts Related to National Defense or Overseas War Activities (Defense Base Act Coverage)"
If you are working on public work contracts with any U.S. government agency, including construction, service, or maintenance contracts related to national defense or military operations outside the United States, your work may be subject to the Defense Base Act (DBA). The DBA provides workers' compensation benefits to employees working on government contracts, including those supporting defense and war activities overseas. Understanding the scope of DBA coverage is essential for contractors, subcontractors, and employees engaged in government-funded projects both within the U.S. and abroad.
"U.S. Government-Funded and Approved Contracts – Defense Base Act Coverage"
If you are working under contracts approved and funded by the U.S. government, especially for public works, defense, or military operations overseas, your employment may be covered under the Defense Base Act (DBA).
If you're working on contracts approved and funded by the U.S. government under the Foreign Assistance Act, which typically involves the cash sale of military equipment, materials, and services to U.S. allies, and your work is performed outside the United States, your employment may be covered by the Defense Base Act (DBA). The DBA provides workers' compensation benefits to civilian employees working on U.S. government-funded contracts abroad, ensuring protection for those supporting military and defense operations in foreign countries.
"DBA Coverage for Contractors Supporting Military Operations"
If you're working for American employers providing welfare or similar services outside of the United States for the benefit of the U.S. Armed Forces—such as through organizations like the USO—your employment may be covered under the Defense Base Act (DBA). The DBA ensures workers' compensation benefits for civilian employees working on government contracts abroad, including those supporting the welfare of military personnel stationed overseas.