A Defense Base Act claim, commonly known as the DBA, is a claim filed with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs seeking to obtain medical benefits and recover lost earnings as a result of an injury or death while working under contract for the United States Government overseas.
The Defense Base Act provides “worker’s compensation” coverage to civilian employees working under contract for the United States Government overseas. If you are a US Citizen or Foreign National working for a contractor overseas for the US Government or US Military, and suffer injury or death, the DBA provides medical, economic, or death benefits to you or your dependents.
In 1941, the United States Congress recognized that working as a contractor for the United States on foreign soil can expose you to a variety of risks and dangers. The need to establish a procedure to provide compensation to workers when they are injured – whether physically, emotionally or psychologically – resulted in Congress enacting the Defense Base Act.
The Defense Base Act is a Federal Workers’ Compensation Program designed to cover civilian contractors of all nationalities working overseas in support of the United States military or the US Government.
This DBA affords coverage for workers employed by contractors performing public works for the U.S. Government on U.S. military bases located outside the continental United States, in the U.S. Territories, and in support of military aid programs within allied nations.
Almost any job that is involved with the support of the United States military overseas is covered by the DBA. These jobs include interpreters, security personnel, logistics specialists, truck drivers, electricians, laborers, and more.
Please contact the lawyers at the DBA Law Group to determine if you have a compensable DBA claim.

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