What Does a Defense Base Act Lawyer Do?

What Does a Defense Base Act Lawyer Do?

Mar 4, 2022 | Defense Base Act

Have you ever heard of the Defense Base Act? It was founded in 1941 to provide coverage for civilians employed at overseas United States defense bases. Injured employees could receive compensation and medical treatment if they got injured in the course and scope of their employment. 

A Defense Base Act lawyer is a lawyer that represents workers that got injured and are covered by the Defense Base Act. You might get involved in a complicated situation where a Defense Base lawyer could help with your claim. This type of lawyer has the skills and expertise to fight for and protect your rights. 

This guide will discuss what a Defense Base Act claims lawyer is and why you might benefit from one. 

What’s a Defense Base Act Lawyer?

A Defense Base Act attorney is a lawyer who represents injured workers that are under the Defense Base Act. These types of lawyers handle various cases on a global scale since the United States has bases around the world. 

Some common countries that a Defense Base Act attorney works in include:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Iraq
  • Afghanistan
  • United Kingdom 
  • Russia

With the Defense Base Act, eligible civilian personnel and employees that are working outside of the country on a military base can seek compensation for a job-related injury. Additionally, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also covered by the Defense Base Act. The goal of this act is to provide the same benefits as workers’ compensation. 

Who’s Covered Under the Law?

Workers have to meet specific criteria to get covered by the Defense Base Act. The individual has to work on an overseas United States military base or on land that’s controlled by the government for military purposes.

The individual can either work for a private employer or be employed by a US government agency. Individuals who work overseas under a contract that’s funded and approved by the government qualify as well. Additionally, a person that works for the United Services Organization (USO) or another type of organization that delivers welfare and morale services for service members falls under the Defense Base Act umbrella. 

Some examples of workers include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Contractor interpreters
  • Security personnel
  • Translators
  • Couriers
  • Clerical workers

What Injuries Are Covered?

Almost all types of work-related illnesses and injuries are covered under this act, including both psychological and physical conditions. You don’t have to sustain your injuries while on the military base or during working hours. 

Some examples of illnesses and injuries that are covered include:

  • Limb loss/amputation
  • Back injuries
  • Gunshot wounds
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Vision or hearing loss

What Benefits Does it Cover?

If your DBA claim gets approved, you might receive compensation based on a few different factors. These factors include:

  • Both your domestic and overseas incomes before you got injured
  • How much income you earned in the year prior to your injury
  • The total payment listed in your contract 

DBA benefits also include death, disability, and medical benefits. An injured worker might receive temporary and permanent disability benefits that are equal to two-thirds of their weekly earnings. 

Partner With an Experienced Defense Base Act Lawyer in Florida

Defense Base Act claims tend to be complex and require a lot of paperwork. Retaining the services of an experienced Defense Base Act lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Contact Barnes Law Firm if you need a Defense Base Act workers comp lawyer in Florida.