The Defense Base Act (DBA) extends federal workers’ compensation benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) to civilian contractors injured on U.S. installations overseas.
Who is covered under the Defense Base Act?
Civilians working under contract for the U.S. government in other countries, whether at military installations or on public works projects, fall under the DBA when injured on the job.
The U.S. government outsources many jobs to U.S. citizens or subcontractors from other countries. The DBA covers civilian contractors working on U.S. installations overseas such as:
- Construction workers and laborers
- Food service workers
- Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) employees
- Surveillance and security personnel
- Logistic specialists
- Interpreters
- Truck drivers and mechanics
Compensation may be available to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, back pay and disability due to accidents or conditions resulting in:
- Orthopedic injuries including, but not limited to, back, neck, leg, and arm injuries
- Occupational hearing loss
- Cardiac conditions
- Pulmonary functioning
- DVT and PE
- PTSD and other psychological injuries
The DBA applies to U.S. citizens, residents, nationals and foreign workers, except:
- Employees covered under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act
- Employees involved in domestic agriculture, service or other employment that is considered casual or secondary to the contract
- Captains or crew members of vessels
Why enlist Mainstay Law LLC?
Mainstay Law LLC is one of a few law firms in the U.S. that handles DBA-related personal injury cases. Historically, Ms. Johnson spent a number of years defending employers and workers’ compensation insurers against claims asserted by injured workers and has personal knowledge as to how defense strategies are developed and how cases are assessed by the insurance companies. Ms. Johnson will use her experiences when taking on the insurance companies on your behalf.
Mainstay Law LLC is fully capable of taking your case to trial. However, many people prefer to attempt to resolve their disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, which can take away the fear and anxiety caused by the uncertainty of trial and leave you in control of the outcome of your case. Whether through mediation or trial, you can be assured that Mainstay Law LLC is looking out for your best interests.