Injured Military Attorney Christopher SchwartzDefense Base Act Attorney

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides the same rights and remedies as the Longshore Act. The DBA applies to employees of contractors who contract with the United States government and its military services on or off military bases overseas. Almost any contract involving the Unites States overseas and having anything to do with national defense or war activities may entitle a claimant to the benefits of under the DBA.

Defense Base Act FAQs:

1. What is the Defense Base Act (DBA)?
2. Who is covered under the DBA?
3. If I am injured on the job, what is the first thing I should do?
4. Can I get benefits if I am injured because of my own fault?
5. What benefits are available under the DBA?
6. When should I begin receiving compensation for my injury?

1. What is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act provides workers' compensation protection to civilian employees working outside the United States on US military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or for national defense.

Read the statute: http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp/dlhwc/dba.htm

More information about coverage, benefits and how to file a claim: http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp/dlhwc/ExplainingDBA.pdf

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2. Who is covered under the DBA?

•Any employee working on a military base or reservation outside the U.S;
•Any employee engaged in U.S. funded public works business outside the U.S.;
•Any employee engaged in public works or military contract with a foreign government which has been deemed necessary to the U.S. National Security;
•Those employees that provide services funded by the U.S. government outside the realm of regular military issue or channels;

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3. If I am injured on the job, what is the first thing I should do?

Notify your employer as soon as you can BUT NO LATER THAN 30 DAYS.

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4. Can I get benefits if I am injured because of my own fault?

Yes. Regardless of fault, even your own, you should be entitled to various benefits.

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5. What benefits are available under the DBA?

•Medical treatment
•Loss of Earnings benefits
•Disability benefits
•Vocational Rehabilitation
•Death benefits

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6. When should I begin receiving compensation for my injury?

Your first payment of compensation is due within 14 days after your employer has knowledge of the injury causing disability. Your employer may refute your claim by filing a Form LS-207 within 14 days of being notified of your injury. If your employer fails to pay compensation or refute your claim with 14 days, your employer may have to pay penalties.

More about benefits under the DBA: http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp/dlhwc/BenefitsundertheDBA.htm

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Christopher R. Schwartz is a skilled Defense Base Act Attorney offering clients over 13 years of experience. Mr. Schwartz can help you with many Maritime & Workers Compensation issues such as Longshore Benefits Defense, Base Act Benefits, Louisiana Workers' Compensation Benefits & Jones Act Benefits in Louisiana, Texas and Gulfport Mississippi. We have office conveniently located in Metairie and Baton Rouge, LA. Call (504) 837-2263 in New Orleans or (225) 837-2263 in Baton Rouge to set up a free case evaluation.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
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NEW ORLEANS — (504) 837-2263
2901 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 204, Metairie, Louisiana 70002
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BATON ROUGE — (225) 922-3911
3233 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite 204, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
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