What Does the Defense Base Act Cover?

What Does the Defense Base Act Cover?

Feb 21, 2019 | Defense Base Act

Getting injured on the job is never fun. But when that injury causes you to miss work and spend money on medical treatments, it’s even more painful.

The United States requires all businesses to offer workers’ compensation coverage to their employees. But what happens when you’re a contractor working overseas?

The Defense Base Act helps fill in the gaps. Here’s what you need to know about this coverage and why it’s so important.

What the Defense Base Act Covers

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a form of workers’ compensation for civilian contractors. But it only applies to contractors working outside the United States.

Within the country, every business with multiple employees must offer workers’ compensation to its employees. And that coverage ends at the border.  

Unfortunately, many businesses operating overseas don’t guarantee assistance if you’re injured on the job, even if you’re an American. And even if the company is American-owned. They’re subject to the laws of the country they operate in. The same is not true for government-owned properties, organizations, and military bases.

And that’s where the lines get a little blurry.

These organizations are still technically part of American soil. But since workers’ comp coverage doesn’t extend overseas, what options do you have? That’s where the DBA comes in.

DBA coverage guarantees United States civilians working on behalf of a government organization overseas the same workers’ compensation benefits they’d receive stateside.

How It Helps

If you’re injured in the course of your duties while working on a military base, DBA kicks in to cover the cost of medical treatments you receive.

This helps reduce your out-of-pocket financial burden while you’re away from home. Further, it helps to cover a portion of the wages you lose during recovery.

Once you file a claim and it’s accepted, you’ll be compensated for your injuries.

Do Due Diligence

Regardless of where you’re working or which organization you’re working for, make sure to do due diligence before accepting the contract. Though businesses need to provide DBA coverage for their contractors, some try to cut corners.

Before you agree to the job, ask the hiring manager for proof of DBA coverage. They should be able to provide you with documentation that their coverage is still valid and in place. If they don’t, think twice before you sign the contract.

The last thing any contractor wants is to get injured and have to pay for the full cost of treatments out-of-pocket while missing work.

What If Your Claim Gets Denied?

If you file a DBA claim and it’s denied, you don’t have to accept the decision. Instead, work with an experienced Defense Base Act attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.

If your claim was denied, reach out and schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We’ll make sure you’re treated fairly and get the money and medical treatment you need as quickly as possible.