Defense Base Act Articles
For Civilians Injured Overseas

History of the Defense Base Act

Before the enactment of the Defense Base Act, military contractors who were injured while contributing to the war effort found themselves in a bit oif a “no man’s land” when it came to collecting any kind of workers’ compensation or disability benefits.

These contractors were not entitled to the same traditional benefits that were available to actual military members.   Similarly, because their employment was performed overseas, many of these injured contractors were prevented from filing for workers’ compensation benefits in their home state.

This was unfair to the brave men and women who sacrificied their life at home to travel abroad and provides services that are vital to the strength and operation of the American military.

To remedy this unfair situation, Congress enacted the Defense Base Act  (DBA), which provides lifelong medical benefits and disability compensation benefits to those injured in the course and scope of their employment at US military bases and land used for miliotary purposes abroad.  Additionally, the DBA provides death benefits to the families of qualifying civilian contract workers who are sadly killed while overseas.

In 1942, the Defense Base Act was enacted as Federal Law, mandating employers of citizens working under U.S. government contracts abroad to provide workers compensation.

Expansion of the Dense Base Act

Since its enactment, the DBA has had two important amendments. In 1953 The Defense Base Act was expanded to cover any contract work that could be classified under “national defense.”

Then in 1958 The DBA was once again expanded further. The Defense Base Act now provides coverage for employees of morale organizations, like the USO. The DBA also includes coverage for non-U.S. citizens that are working abroad under U.S. contract.

In the past ten years, the Defense Base Act has become more prevalent than ever before. As the United States has become increasingly engaged in military action in the Middle East, thousands of people have been hired to work on U.S. projects in Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as  other countries in war torn regions.

There is also an increasing number of  employees at U.S. military facilities across the globe, ranging from London to Okinawa. According to a 2010 report to Congress, the number of Defense Base Act claims increased a full six times between 2004 and 2007 alone.

Best Defense Base Act Attorneys

Remember, no matter where you are in the world, if you are are injured while working abroad for the U.S. government, you are entitled to Defense BAse Act benefits. Our caring and experienced Defense Base Act Attorneys will fight for your rights anywhere in the world.

Our highly specialized Defense Base Act lawyers 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.

Free Consultation with a Defense Base Act Attorney: 800-964-8047