If you are an employee of a civilian contractor injured while working under a U.S. Government contract in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, or anywhere in the world, we can help you. Has your claim for death benefits been denied because the employer/carrier has characterized your spouse’s death as “arising from natural causes?” If so, you may be entitled to benefits based on the “Zone of Special Danger Doctrine”.
Our defense base act attorneys have handled thousands of claims and have experience in the investigation and prosecution of Defense Base Act claims before the U.S. Department of Labor. We are known for our responsiveness, thorough and hands-on litigation style, investigative and negotiating skills and our accessibility to our clients. We go wherever you need us to be.
What is a Defense Base Act Lawyer and How Can They Help You?
A Defense Base Act Lawyer is a specialized legal professional who assists injured workers covered under the Defense Base Act (DBA) in navigating the complex claims process. These attorneys have extensive knowledge of the DBA and its provisions, ensuring that their clients receive fair compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses. Services provided by a Defense Base Act Lawyer may include guidance on filing claims, negotiating settlements, and, if necessary, representing clients in court proceedings. By working with a skilled DBA lawyer, injured workers can secure the financial support and medical care they need to recover and move forward with their lives.
What is a Defense Base Act Claim (DBA)?
The Defense Base Act is a federal statute that protects individuals employed at U.S. defense bases overseas. Defense base act claims cover injured defense contractors and their employee’s medical expenses along with disability and death benefits.
Are You Eligible for Defense Base Act Benefits?
The Defense Base Act covers you if you work as an employee of a civilian contractor overseas, such as if you work on U.S. military bases, land used for military purposes, or public work contracts.
Traditionally, your injury must arise out of and in the course of employment—meaning you were injured at work. However, you also may be covered for injuries that happened outside of work if you lived in a Zone of Special Danger.
If you are concerned about whether you are eligible for benefits, talk with us right away. Our DBA attorneys will evaluate your eligibility based on the work you did for the U.S. government overseas
What Compensation Can I Recover From a Defense Base Act Lawsuit?
A successful Defense Base Act claim grants benefits in the form of medical treatment, disability benefits, and death benefits. Some financial benefits are available as regular or lump sum payments. Additionally you may receive attorney fees, and more.
Is Pain and Suffering Compensation Available for DBA Claims?
Unfortunately, benefits under the Defense Base Act do not cover pain and suffering. Whether you hope to receive ongoing disability payments or a settlement, you cannot include an amount for pain and suffering.
What Types of Employment are Covered Under a Defense Base Act Claim?
The Defense Base Act covers any employment activities carried out for private employers on United States military bases, contract work approved and funded by the U.S. Foreign Assistance Defense Base Act, word for U.S. employers providing welfare services for the benefit of armed forces, and more.
How Can a Defense Base Act Attorney Help With My Claim?
An experienced DBA claim attorney can help you file your claim by submitting the necessary forms and documentation, obtaining and submitting medical records, submitting a notice to the Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation when required, and gathering any additional documents needed to prove your claim. In the case of claims denials or disputes, our attorneys can represent you to assist you in recovering the compensation your are owed for your or a loved one’s injuries.
What Happens When My DBA Settlement is Approved
If we reach a settlement agreement with the insurer, the process is not over. The Department of Labor (DOL) must evaluate the proposed settlement.
The DOL will review:
- The reason for the settlement;
- Your medical information and work history;
- Your medical report for the injury or disease;
- An itemized bill of medical expenses; and
- The specific settlement amounts for medical bills, compensation, and attorney fees.
The DOL also considers your age, education, work history, and degree of disability. It matters whether you can return to work, and if so, what kind. Will it be comparable in pay to your previous work? The department considers your future medical needs, including whether you will need a great deal of care. Finally, the DOL reviews your life expectancy based on actuarial tables.
The DOL must agree that the settlement is fair for you before approving it.
Can My Defense Base Act Claim be Denied?
Yes, some claims are denied or disputed by the government. The most common reasons defense base act claims are denied include:
- There wasn’t applicable DBA coverage at the time of the injury
- There is insufficient medical evidence to support the claim
- The employer believes the injury did not occur during the course or scope of work
Do I Need a Defense Base Act Attorney?
By hiring an experienced DBA lawyer, you create you best chance at obtaining the maximum compensation available under the law. An attorney can thoroughly analyze your situation, file the correct documents in a timely manner, and protect your best interests throughout the process.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a DBA Claim Lawyer?
It cost nothing to hire a Defense Base Act law firm. Our fee is paid directly by the insurance company and not from your compensation.
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You may Qualify if
The Defense Base Act affords compensation benefits and medical benefits to those engaged in employment, such as:
Deployed civilian contractors working in Iraq, Afghanistan, England, Africa, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Philippines, South Korea, Kuwait, or anywhere else in the world under a U.S. government contract.
Any military, air, or naval base acquired by the United States.
Upon land occupied or used by the government for military or naval purposes in any territory or possession outside the continental United States.
Any public work in any territory or possession outside the continental United States if the employee is engaged under the contract of a contractor with the United States.
Ours is Just Beginning
*The settlements and verdicts above only represent a few of the successful outcomes for our clients. Contact us for more information on how you can add your location to this list.
civilian contractor deaths from 2009-2019
The DOD contract PERSONNEL in the Iraq and Afghanistan theater Of DOD’s combined contractor and uniformed PERSONNEL workforce in the CENTCOM
As of May 2019, observers and analysts estimated the number of U.S. Armed Forces personnel in Afghanistan to be between 14,000 and 15,000.
individuals located in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria
DOD contractor personnel were located in Afghanistan
Approximately
44%of DOD’s reported individual contractors were. U.S. citizens
42%were third-country nationals, and 14% were local nationals
Depending ON your Residence, Your Case May Be Handled Differently
For injured workers residing in the United States your Defense Base Act claim will be handled by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs District Directors in the following cities: Boston • Chicago • Dallas • Cleveland • Jacksonville • Denver • New York • Norfolk • Philadelphia • San Francisco • Kansas City • Seattle • Washington, D.C
Through modern technology, we are equipped to attend conferences with you, key witnesses and experts all around the world. Our office is equipped with a state-of-the-art video teleconferencing system which allows us to take video depositions anywhere in the world. For clients with Skype we can be reached at howards.grossman, Facetime or WhatsApp.
