Defense Base Act Lawyer

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

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;

What benefits are available under the DBA?

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

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