Defense Base Act Attorneys
For Injured Overseas Contractors

Global Conflict Hotspots: Defense Base Act Claims & What Overseas Contractors Need to Know

The Defense Base Act provides workers’ compensation protection to civilian employees working outside the United States on U.S. military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or for national defense. As global conflicts shift and intensify, the nature of these claims can change dramatically, presenting new challenges for both contractors and the legal professionals who represent them.

The landscape of global conflicts is ever-changing, and with it, the nature and frequency of Defense Base Act (DBA) claims. For overseas contractors working in support of U.S. government operations abroad, understanding the current hotspots and their potential impact on DBA claims is crucial. As conflicts evolve and new geopolitical tensions arise, contractors face varying risks that can significantly affect their safety and the likelihood of needing to file a DBA claim.

Overseas Contractors Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), which administers the Defense Base Act, there were approximately 200,000 DBA-covered contractor employees working overseas as of 2020. This number fluctuates based on U.S. military engagements and government contracts abroad. The majority of these contractors have been concentrated in countries where the U.S. has had significant military presence. For instance, at the height of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, these two countries accounted for a large portion of DBA claims. A report from the Congressional Research Service noted that in fiscal year 2019, there were about 27,000 contractor personnel in Afghanistan and 7,000 in Iraq.

Current “hot spots” for DBA contractors include not only traditional conflict zones but also areas of emerging geopolitical tension. While exact numbers of government overseas contractors are not publicly available for security reasons, significant contractor presence has been reported in countries like Syria, various African nations (particularly in the Sahel region), and more recently, in Eastern European countries bordering Ukraine.

The U.S. Department of Defense’s quarterly contractor census reported that as of July 2021, there were approximately 18,000 contractors in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East and parts of North Africa and Central Asia. It’s important to note that these numbers can change rapidly in response to global events and U.S. foreign policy decisions.

Risks of Overseas Contractors in Global Hotspots

Current global hotspots present a range of risks for overseas contractors. In recent years, regions such as the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Eastern Europe have seen increased instability and conflict. Each of these areas presents unique challenges and potential dangers for contractors working in support of U.S. operations.

For instance, the ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to pose significant risks. Contractors working in countries like Iraq, Syria, or Afghanistan face potential threats from insurgent groups, terrorist activities, and general instability. These conditions can lead to a higher incidence of DBA claims related to physical injuries from attacks, as well as mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In Africa, particularly in regions like the Sahel, increasing terrorist activities and political instability have created new danger zones for overseas contractors. Those working on U.S. military bases or supporting U.S. operations in these areas may face elevated risks of injury or illness, potentially leading to more complex DBA claims.

Defense Base Act Attorneys Address Evolving Claim Patterns

The nature of conflicts in these hotspots can significantly impact the types of DBA claims filed. For example, the rise of asymmetric warfare and terrorist activities has led to an increase in claims related to blast injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and hearing loss. Defense Base Act attorneys are seeing more cases involving these types of injuries, which often require extensive medical documentation and expert testimony to prove the long-term impacts on the contractor’s health and ability to work.

Moreover, the ongoing global incidence of COVID-19 has added another layer of complexity to DBA claims. Overseas contractors working in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure or in close quarters with others face increased risks of contracting the virus. This has led to a new category of DBA claims related to COVID-19 infections and their long-term health impacts.

Cybersecurity threats have also emerged as a significant concern in modern conflicts. Contractors working in IT and communications roles may face unique risks related to cyber attacks, which can have physical effects as well as psychological impacts. Defense Base Act attorneys are now grappling with how to categorize and prove injuries resulting from these non-traditional warfare methods.

Overseas Contractors Face Unique Challenges in Conflict Zones

Working in global conflict zones presents unique challenges for overseas contractors when it comes to DBA claims. One of the primary issues for DBA claimants in global hot spots, is the difficulty in obtaining proper medical care and documentation in unstable or remote areas. This can complicate the claims process, as thorough medical evidence is crucial for a successful DBA claim.

Another challenge is the evolving nature of threats in these hotspots. As conflicts change, so do the risks faced by overseas contractors. For example, a region that was relatively stable when a contractor first deployed may become a high-risk area due to sudden political changes or the emergence of new threat actors. This dynamic environment can affect the assessment of work-related risks and the subsequent handling of DBA claims.

Furthermore, overseas contractors may face challenges in proving that their injuries or illnesses are directly related to their employment in these conflict zones. The complex nature of modern warfare and the diverse roles contractors play can sometimes blur the lines between work-related and non-work-related incidents.

Defense Base Act Attorneys Adapt to Changing Global Landscape

As the global conflict landscape evolves, Defense Base Act attorneys must adapt their strategies to effectively represent overseas contractors. This includes staying informed about geopolitical developments, understanding the unique risks associated with different conflict zones, and being prepared to handle a wide range of injury and illness claims.

Defense Base Act attorneys specializing in DBA cases are also focusing on educating contractors about their rights and the importance of thorough documentation. This includes advising contractors to maintain detailed records of their work locations, job duties, and any incidents or health issues they experience while deployed.

Moreover, Defense Base Act attorneys are increasingly collaborating with international experts, including security specialists and regional analysts, to build stronger cases. This multidisciplinary approach helps in establishing the link between the contractor’s work in a specific conflict zone and their injury or illness.

Defense Base Act Attorneys for Overseas Contractors

If you’re an overseas contractor who has been injured or become ill while working in support of U.S. government operations abroad, navigating the complex world of Defense Base Act claims can be challenging, especially in the context of evolving global conflicts. The experienced Defense Base Act attorneys at Cantrell Green are here to help. We understand the unique risks and challenges faced by contractors in global hotspots and are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation and care you deserve.

Our team of Defense Base Act attorneys stays abreast of global developments and their impact on DBA claims, providing skilled and compassionate representation tailored to your specific situation. Don’t let the complexities of international conflicts and legal procedures prevent you from seeking the DBA benefits to which you’re entitled. Contact our Defense Base Act attorneys today to learn how we can assist you in navigating your DBA claim in these challenging times.

Defense Base Act Attorneys for Overseas Contractors: 800-964-8047