Understanding the Defense Base Act (DBA) is crucial for any civilian personnel working at overseas military installations. The DBA provides federal workers’ compensation for injuries sustained while working at international bases. At Sabina Kadric Law Firm, we are dedicated to serving and representing clients globally who encounter such situations.
If you or a loved one is a civilian injured while working for a company involved in overseas operations for the U.S. Department of Defense, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA). According to 42 U.S. Code § 1651, civilian employees are entitled to workers’ compensation protection when they work (1) on U.S. military bases abroad or (2) under a government contract for public works or national defense.
A knowledgeable DBA attorney can determine your eligibility for compensation and medical benefits, guiding you through the claims process. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to assist you with your potential DBA claim.
If you are an injured worker covered by the Defense Base Act, it’s essential to notify your immediate supervisor in writing as soon as possible, and no later than 30 days after the injury occurs. After notifying your supervisor, your employer will typically provide medical treatment. However, you also need to file a claim form with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, and strict deadlines apply for disputing any employer actions. Therefore, it’s important to reach out to an attorney right away for assistance with your claim. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Contact us for a free consultation.
Under the DBA, you may be eligible for the following benefits:
Your employer has the right to have you examined by a doctor to confirm your need for treatment and benefits. The DBA covers treatment, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and travel expenses to see the doctor, including expenses related to psychological injuries.
If your injury prevents you from working for more than three days, you may receive compensation for lost earnings based on your “average weekly wage.” This figure is critical for both temporary and permanent disability claims, so it’s important to establish the highest average weekly wage possible after your injury, a process in which an attorney can assist you.
If you worked in the same position the previous year, your weekly compensation can be calculated by taking your actual wages from that year and dividing by 52. If you didn’t work significantly in the prior year, alternative methods may be used. Once your average weekly wage is determined, it must be multiplied by two-thirds to establish your compensation rate.
You may qualify for one of four types of disability compensation:
Permanent total disability means you will continue to receive loss of earnings compensation, adjusted for inflation each year. Permanent partial disability is based on your actual wage loss and the percentage of loss of use of a specific body part or disfigurement, as outlined in a schedule. Once this amount is set, it does not increase for cost of living or inflation.
In the event of an employee’s death while on the job, death benefits are awarded to dependents, with amounts varying based on the number of survivors. Up to $3,000 in funeral expenses is also covered.
We encourage you to reach out to us at +387 64 425 4482 or contact us online. All consultations are free and confidential.
Congress enacted the DBA in 1941 to provide coverage for workers stationed on military bases around the world. Over the years, various amendments have expanded the protections under the DBA to include employees of civilian contractors engaged in tasks traditionally managed by the military.
This coverage includes, but is not limited to:
Some of the companies that hire civilian personnel for operations with the U.S. Department of Defense include:
Many civilian contract personnel have suffered injuries in Iraq due to the inherent dangers of their work and the challenging environment. You might be asking whether your injury qualifies as a DBA injury and how to go about filing a claim. Law Firm Sabina Kadric supports clients in Iraq and abroad in navigating DBA cases related to bases and other operational areas.
Several factors have led to injuries among civilian contract personnel in Afghanistan, and each can be daunting when it comes to filing a DBA injury claim. Although contractors working on military bases overseas are entitled to specific protections under the Defense Base Act, advocating for yourself and ensuring that these rights are upheld can be quite challenging.
Numerous longshore and harbor workers have been injured in Japan under various circumstances. A DBA injury is a significant issue, and any civilian contract personnel affected by such an incident should receive the medical care and resources they require. Unfortunately, injured contractors are often expected to file their claims and navigate the system independently. This is a challenging task for anyone, but it can be especially overwhelming for someone who has just suffered an injury.
Civilian contract personnel injured in Qatar are entitled to medical treatment and various rights under the Defense Base Act. However, confirming that an incident qualifies as a DBA injury involves filing a claim and undergoing a review process. This can be challenging for contractors working in Qatar, often leading to frustration among injured longshore and harbor workers.
Cuba is often viewed as a mysterious destination, but it is well-known to the United States military. The armed forces have maintained a presence at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base since 2002, and numerous civilian contract personnel have been injured in Cuba during this time. If you are among these contractors, you may be questioning whether your injury qualifies as a DBA injury. Overseas longshore and harbor workers might benefit from reaching out to an attorney for assistance.
Experiencing a DBA injury in Guam is already traumatic, but the added stress of navigating the complex claims filing system can leave civilian contract personnel feeling overwhelmed and confused. Law Firm Sabina Kadric is dedicated to supporting contractors injured in Guam by advocating for their rights, ensuring they receive appropriate medical care, and guiding them through the DBA claims process.
The U.S. presence in Kuwait is largely focused on supporting air forces in the region. These facilities host numerous military aircraft, necessitating regular contractor visits for maintenance, repairs, and cleaning. When such jobs lead to a DBA injury, the next steps may not always be obvious. An injury in Kuwait can raise many questions for repair personnel or harbor workers working overseas.
Diego Garcia is one of the rare international military bases where civilian contract personnel outnumber active service members. This significant presence of contract workers leads to frequent reports of injuries occurring on the base. Accidents that take place at the Diego Garcia military base should be classified as DBA injuries, thereby qualifying longshore and harbor workers for the benefits specified in the Defense Base Act.
Experiencing a DBA injury in Haiti is undoubtedly a stressful situation. Being injured is difficult enough, but navigating the complexities of filing a Defense Base Act claim in a foreign country can be even more challenging. Fortunately, this issue can be addressed by seeking assistance from a legal professional. Law Firm Sabina Kadric can offer the legal representation you need.
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