Defense Base Act Injuries
For Civilians Injured Overseas

The Most Common Defense Base Act (DBA) Injuries

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law that provides workers’ compensation benefits to civilian employees working overseas on U.S. military bases or under U.S. government contracts. The DBA covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including both physical and psychological injuries.

The most common injuries that qualify for DBA benefits can be divided into four general categories: traumatic injury, occupational disease, psychological illness, and repetitive stress injuries.

In this article, the skilled and experienced Defense Base Act attorneys at Cantrell Green review the most common injuries and illnesses that may qualify an injured overseas contractor for DBA benefits.

Defense Base Act (DBA) Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic Injuries result from a specific incident, such as a fall, explosion, or vehicle accident. Traumatic injuries can include fractures, sprains, strains, burns, and traumatic brain injuries. Some of the most common traumatic injuries that qualify for Defense Base Act (DBA) benefits include the following:

Fractures or ‘broken bones’ are a common injury in many workplaces, including those covered by the DBA. Fractures may be caused by falls, vehicle accidents, or other traumatic incidents.

Traumatic brain injuries result from a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating injury that disrupts normal brain function. These injuries can be caused by explosions, falls, or other types of trauma.

Burns on an overseas military base can be caused by exposure to chemicals, fire, or explosions. These injuries can be severe and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Tragically, losing a limb or other body part is a traumatic injury that can occur in many workplaces covered by the DBA. Amputations may be caused by machinery accidents, explosions, or other types of traumatic incidents.

Eye injuries can result from exposure to chemicals, foreign objects, or other types of trauma. These injuries can be serious and may result in partial or total vision loss.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other types of traumatic injuries may also be covered under the DBA.

Defense Base Act (DBA) Occupational Diseases

Occupational Diseases are illnesses that are caused by exposure to hazardous substances or conditions in the workplace. Examples of occupational diseases that may be covered under the DBA include hearing loss, respiratory diseases, and cancer. Some of the most common occupational illnesses that qualify for Defense Base Act (DBA) benefits include:

Exposure to loud noises can cause permanent hearing damage over time. Employees who work in noisy environments, such as around heavy machinery or aircraft, may be at risk for hearing loss. And exposure to dust, chemicals, or other airborne pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis.

Employees who work on overseas bases abroad may be exposed to infectious diseases may be at risk for illnesses such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, or HIV. Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer. Employees who work in industries such as mining, construction, or transportation may be at higher risk for certain types of cancer.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other types of occupational illnesses may also be covered under the DBA.

Defense Base Act (DBA) Psychological Illness

The DBA covers psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression that are caused by exposure to traumatic events or stressful working conditions. Some of the most common psychological illnesses that qualify for Defense Base Act (DBA) benefits include the following.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD is a psychological disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Employees who work in dangerous or high-stress environments, such as military bases covered by the DBA, may be at higher risk for developing PTSD.

Depression is a serious mood disorder that can affect an employee’s ability to function in their job and personal life. It may develop as a result of exposure to traumatic events or to long-term stress experienced while working as a contractor overseas. Anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic can also be caused by exposure to stressful or traumatic situations.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other psychological illnesses may also be covered under the DBA.

Defense Base Act (DBA) Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive Stress Injuries result from performing the same physical movements over and over again. Examples of repetitive stress injuries that may be covered under the DBA include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Some of the most common repetitive stress injuries that qualify for Defense Base Act (DBA) benefits include those listed below.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. It is caused by repetitive motions, such as typing or using tools. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, usually in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist. It is caused by repetitive motions, such as lifting or carrying heavy objects.

Trigger finger is a condition that causes the fingers to lock or catch when they are bent or straightened. It is caused by repetitive motions, such as gripping or grasping tools. Epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, is inflammation of the tendons that attach to the elbow. It is caused by repetitive motions, such as swinging a racket or golf club.

Back injuries, such as herniated discs or strains, are among the most common repetitive stress injuries. Often caused by repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting motions, many DBA claims arise out of back injuries incurred while working on a military base.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other types of repetitive stress injuries may also be covered under the DBA.

Why Hire a Defense Base Act (DBA) Attorney

The specific circumstances of each injury will be considered when determining eligibility for DBA benefits. As a threshold, to be eligible for DBA benefits, an injury or illness must have occurred while the employee was working overseas on a U.S. military base or under a U.S. government contract abroad.

Because of the unique challenges that are presented in Defense Base Act (DBA) cases, it is important for an injured or ill government contractor to consult with an attorney who is specifically experienced in DBA cases. The skilled and experienced California workers’ compensation attorneys at Cantrell Green have been protecting the rights of workers injured abroad for more than 50 years.

We can provide pilots with guidance on the best course of action for seeking DBA and other benefits – to ensure you receive the maximum benefits for which you qualify.

Best Defense Base Act Attorneys

Our highly specialized Defense Base Act attorneys are committed to ensuring that every injured or disabled civilian employee obtains the benefits he or she has earned. We have successfully filed hundreds of Defense Base Act applications and appeals – obtaining millions of dollars in DBA benefits in over four decades of legal service.

Call today, or fill out the short form on the right to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with one of our skilled and experienced Defense Base Act Attorneys.

Defense Base Act Attorneys: 800-964-8047