BEST Defense Base Act Lawyer New Orleans
Understanding the Defense Base Act (DBA) and How it Affects Government Contractors
There is much to understand when it comes to the Defense Base Act (DBA). Any American working overseas as a government contractor should be fully aware of all aspects of the DBA, especially as it pertains to how they access benefits in the event of an accident or serious injury.
The DBA lawyers at Lavis Law Firm have created a comprehensive guide: The Defense Base Act – 27 Things Employees of U.S. Government Contractors Should Be Aware Of. This guide is designed for those performing work overseas and their families, providing crucial information to help avoid losing benefits. The advice comes from an experienced DBA attorney based in New Orleans, Louisiana, who understands the complexities of workers’ compensation law, dispute resolution, and the rights of workers on government contracts.
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal workers’ compensation law designed to provide benefits for civilian employees working overseas on U.S. government projects, including military contractors. It covers a wide range of injuries, from physical harm to psychological trauma, that occur during the course of employment, whether on military bases or while traveling to and from work sites. Benefits under the DBA include medical expenses, wage replacement, and disability compensation for workers who are injured on the job.
Injured contractors must file a claim through the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), and the employer is required to carry insurance for these claims. However, the DBA typically prevents workers from suing their employers for injuries sustained during employment, as it is intended to be the exclusive remedy. In certain situations, contractors may pursue legal action against third parties responsible for their injuries, such as negligence by other contractors or vendors.
One challenge for contractors is navigating the claims process once they return to the U.S., especially if their injuries require ongoing care. Contractors must be aware of deadlines, as claims must typically be filed within one to two years of the injury, depending on the circumstances. Understanding DBA rights and seeking professional legal guidance can help ensure proper compensation and care for injured military contractors.
If you are seeking an experienced New Orleans Defense Base Act (DBA) lawyer, contact Lavis Law Firm Personal Injury & Accident Attorney at (504) 834-4000 for a free consultation and to get expert guidance on your case.
1. What is the Defense Base Act (DBA)?
The DBA is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) which provides disability compensation and medical benefits to employees and death benefits to eligible survivors of employees of U.S. government contractors who perform work overseas. With a few exceptions, the DBA incorporates the provisions of the LHWCA. If you work overseas on a government contract it is important to understand how the DBA can impact you. If you have any questions it is worth it to speak with an experienced DBA lawyer near you.
2. Who is covered under the DBA?
The Defense Base Act covers the following employment activities:
- Work for private employers on U.S. military bases or on any lands used by the U.S. for military purposes outside of the United States, including those in U.S. Territories and possessions;
- Work on public work contracts with any U.S. government agency, including construction and service contracts in connection with national defense or with war activities outside the United States;
- Work on contracts approved and funded by the U.S. under the Foreign Assistance Act, which among other things provides for cash sale of military equipment, materials, and services to its allies if the contract is performed outside of the United States;
- Work for American employers providing welfare or similar services outside the United States for the benefit of the Armed Services, e.g. the United Service Organizations (USO).
If any one of the above criteria is met, all employees engaged in such employment, regardless of nationality (including U.S. citizens and residents, host country nationals (local hires), and third-country nationals (individuals hired from another country to work in the host country)), are covered under the Defense Base Act.
3. What does “public work” mean?
“Public work” is defined in the Defense Base Act as any fixed improvement or any project, whether or not fixed, involving construction, alteration, removal, or repair for the public use of the United States or its allies. However, “public work” is not limited to construction. It includes any project or operation under service contracts and projects in connection with the national defense or with war activities.
4. Is work performed pursuant to a grant covered under the DBA?
Although this issue has been addressed by a court of law in only one instance, the Department of Labor has adopted a position consistent with the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in University of Rochester v. Hartman (Vishniac), 618 F.2d 170 (2nd Cir. 1980), that work performed pursuant to a grant is not covered under the DBA.5. Who administers the DBA?
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (DLHWC), administers the DBA through three compensation districts — Eastern, Southern and Western — made up of eleven district offices across the United States. The program consolidated into those three districts in 2020.6. Where should new claims arising out of Iraq and Afghanistan be filed?
New claims go to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation through its central intake, not to a district office chosen by where the injury happened. The Department directs that Forms LS-201, LS-202, LS-203 and LS-262 be filed online through the SEAPortal, or mailed to OWCP/DLHWC, 400 West Bay Street, Room 63A, Box 28, Jacksonville, FL 32202. A claim arising from work in Iraq or Afghanistan is handled through that same centralized intake.
7. Defense Base Act Settlements: What types of benefits are available under the DBA?
The Defense Base Act provides disability and medical benefits to covered employees injured in the course of employment and death benefits to eligible survivors of employees killed in the course of employment. Compensation for total disability is two–thirds of the employee’s average weekly earnings, subject to a statutory maximum that the U.S. Department of Labor resets every October 1. For the federal fiscal year running October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, that maximum is $2,163.92 per week. Which fiscal year’s maximum governs a particular claim depends on when disability and entitlement began and on the benefit category, as the tables below explain. 33 U.S.C. § 906(b); U.S. Department of Labor, National Average Weekly Wages, Minimum and Maximum Compensation Rates.
The LHWCA’s minimum compensation rate does not apply to Defense Base Act claims. 42 U.S.C. § 1652(a).
Longshore and Defense Base Act weekly compensation rates by federal fiscal year
The Department of Labor resets these figures every October 1 against the national average weekly wage. Each rate year runs October 1 through September 30. The current year is FY 2027, October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. 33 U.S.C. § 906(b)(3), (c).
| Effective period | Federal fiscal year | Statutory weekly maximum for that fiscal year | LHWCA weekly minimum (total disability only; does not apply to DBA claims) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2027 | FY2027 (current) | $2,163.92 | $540.98 |
| Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026 | FY2026 | $2,082.70 | $520.68 |
| Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025 | FY2025 | $1,999.10 | $499.78 |
| Oct. 1, 2023–Sept. 30, 2024 | FY2024 | $1,926.58 | $481.65 |
| Oct. 1, 2022–Sept. 30, 2023 | FY2023 | $1,833.98 | $458.50 |
| Oct. 1, 2021–Sept. 30, 2022 | FY2022 | $1,726.98 | $431.75 |
| Oct. 1, 2020–Sept. 30, 2021 | FY2021 | $1,632.70 | $408.18 |
| Oct. 1, 2019–Sept. 30, 2020 | FY2020 | $1,560.08 | $390.02 |
| Oct. 1, 2018–Sept. 30, 2019 | FY2019 | $1,510.76 | $377.69 |
| Oct. 1, 2017–Sept. 30, 2018 | FY2018 | $1,471.78 | $367.94 |
| Oct. 1, 2016–Sept. 30, 2017 | FY2017 | $1,436.48 | $359.12 |
This is a statutory ceiling, not a promised payment or the ceiling for every claim. The applicable fiscal year depends on when disability and entitlement began and on the benefit category. Permanent-total disability and death benefits may be subject to later annual adjustments; other disability awards generally do not acquire a new maximum simply because a new fiscal year begins.
Which year’s maximum applies?
| Benefit | Which year’s maximum applies |
|---|---|
| Temporary-total, temporary-partial, and permanent-partial disability | Generally the fiscal year in which the worker first becomes disabled and statutorily entitled to compensation. The cap does not reset merely because payments continue into another October, or because a compensation order is entered later. |
| Permanent-total disability and death benefits | The applicable maximum is reassessed for each fiscal year in which the employee or survivor is receiving those benefits. These categories are also subject to a separate annual benefit-increase rule under 33 U.S.C. § 910(f)–(g), including its five percent annual ceiling and rounding rule. An increase in the ceiling does not, by itself, mean a claimant receives the new maximum. |
The Supreme Court resolved the central ambiguity in Roberts v. Sea-Land Services, Inc., 566 U.S. 93 (2012). “Newly awarded compensation” does not mean the year a judge signs an order, or the year the first payment arrives. For disability it means the year the worker first becomes disabled and entitled to compensation. Injury and disability can begin in different years, and it is the disability and entitlement date that controls. Roberts also addresses the narrow waiting-period situation in which entitlement begins after disability starts.
The published minimum is not a floor for every award. The minimum rule in 33 U.S.C. § 906(b)(2) is stated for total disability, and on a Defense Base Act claim the LHWCA minimum does not apply at all. 33 U.S.C. § 908(c), (e).
Death benefits are paid at the rate of one–half of the employee’s average weekly earnings to a surviving spouse or one child, or two–thirds of average weekly earnings for two or more eligible survivors up to a ceiling equal to the lesser of the deceased worker’s own average weekly wage or the statutory maximum, which is $2,163.92 per week for October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. 33 U.S.C. §§ 906(b), 909(e)(1).
Permanent total disability and death benefits may be payable for life and are subject to annual cost of living adjustments. The LHWCA minimum benefits rate, however, does not apply to DBA claims.
The injured employee is also entitled to medical treatment by a physician of his/her choice, as the injury may require. The treating physician determines duty status/work status. For more information on the Defense Base Act reach out to a qualified Louisiana Defense Base Act lawyer near you.
A Defense Base Act claim can also be resolved by a lump-sum settlement. A settlement is not automatic and is not a matter of agreement between the parties alone: it must be approved by the district director or an administrative law judge. Approval follows unless the settlement is found inadequate or procured by duress, and where both parties are represented an agreement that is not specifically disapproved within thirty days is deemed approved. 33 U.S.C. § 908(i). What a particular claim is worth turns on the individual facts — the average weekly wage, the extent and permanence of the impairment, the medical evidence, and what benefits have already been paid. We do not publish average settlement figures, because an average tells you nothing about your own claim.
8. Is Hearing Loss Covered Under the Defense Base Act?
You may be wondering, “Is hearing loss covered under the Defense Base Act?” Yes, the Defense Base Act qualifies hearing loss as a traumatic injury rather than an occupational disease for some workers. Employees on military bases and longshore workers are frequently exposed to high noise levels. Employees are legally entitled to a safe working environment, but being exposed to high decibels of sound over a long period of time is not safe, thus the Defense Base Act covers hearing loss claims.
9. Is PTSD Covered Under the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act (DBA) offers medical benefits and disability compensation to eligible civilian employees engaged in work on military bases or under contract with the U.S. government for public works or national defense. It’s important to note that such employment must take place outside the United States. Specifically, the DBA applies to various employment activities, including:
- Working on behalf of the Armed Forces for American employers providing welfare or similar services.
- Fulfilling public contracts with any U.S. government agency related to national defense or war efforts, encompassing service and construction contracts.
- Employment with private employers situated on American military bases or on any lands utilized by the US for military purposes outside the country.
- Engaging in contracts funded and sanctioned by the US under the Foreign Assistance Act. These contracts typically involve the sale of military services to allies, along with military equipment and materials.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise as a mental health issue following exposure to traumatic events that leave a lasting psychological impact. For federal workers covered by the DBA who sustain injuries on the job, failure by the employer to secure the necessary insurance can result in substantial fines. It is the employer’s responsibility to furnish the worker with DBA-eligible benefits. In the event of non-payment by the employer, the injured worker retains the right to pursue legal action against the company for damages. The DBA serves as a crucial safeguard for employees engaged in overseas government contracts, providing reassurance that you and your family will receive support should unforeseen circumstances arise.
10. Are there any payment provisions that are specific to aliens and non–U.S. residents?
Yes. There are two such provisions:
- Cases involving aliens and non–U.S. residents can be resolved by commuting benefits paid for permanent disability and death. In such cases, a one–time lump sum payment may be issued by the employer/carrier representing half of the present value of future compensation as determined by the OWCP district director. Medical benefits may not be commuted.
- Death benefits may be paid only to the surviving spouse or child or children, or if no surviving spouse or child or children, to dependent parents.
12. How do I obtain medical treatment for my injuries?
If you need medical treatment for your work injury, ask your employer to authorize treatment by a doctor of your choice. If it is an emergency or if you are unable to contact your employer, go to the nearest hospital or physician, but be sure to let your employer know as soon as possible.
13. How do I obtain compensation for my disability?
If you are disabled for more than 3 days, contact your employer or the insurance company for payment of compensation, which is payable 14 days after your employer has knowledge of the injury. If you are being denied compensation for any reason then it is important to reach out to an experienced DBA lawyer for help.
14. How do I give notice of my injury to my employer?
Give written notice of your injury to your employer on Form LS–201 (Notice of Employee’s Injury or Death) within 30 days. Additional time is provided for certain hearing loss and occupational disease claims.
Statutory authority: the Defense Base Act incorporates the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act except where modified. 42 U.S.C. § 1651(a). Notice of injury or death, 33 U.S.C. § 912(a); filing a claim for compensation, 33 U.S.C. § 913.15. How do I file a claim for compensation based on my injury?
File a written claim for compensation with the OWCP district office having jurisdiction of your claim on Form LS–203 (Employee’s Claim for Compensation) within one year after the date of injury or last payment of compensation, whichever is later. The time for filing claims in certain occupational disease cases has been extended to two years. Because these issues can be complicated it is worth speaking with an experienced DBA attorney near you ahead of time when filing for compensation.
16. How do I obtain death benefits?
Give written notice of the employee’s death to the employer on Form LS–201 (Notice of Employee’s Injury or Death) within 30 days. File a written claim for compensation on Form LS–262 (Claim for Death Benefits) with the OWCP district office having jurisdiction of your claim within one year after the date of the employee’s death.
17. What should an employer do upon notice of an employee’s injury?
The employer should notify its insurance carrier or, if it is self-insured, its claims administrator, as soon as it has knowledge of an injury. Medical treatment, if needed, should be authorized immediately. An Employer’s First Report of Injury, Form LS–202, must be filed with the OWCP district office having jurisdiction within 10 days of the injury if it causes loss of one or more work shifts.
The Form LS–202 may be filed electronically. Additional forms and notices, as well as medical reports, should be filed with the OWCP as regulations require.
18. What services do the OWCP district offices provide?
The OWCP district office monitors the payment of compensation and medical care to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act. The district office staff also provides technical assistance to employers, insurance carriers, and claimants for the prompt delivery of benefits. In the case of claim disputes, district office claims examiners conduct informal conferences to help the parties resolve their disputes by way of mutual agreement or compromise without formal litigation. The district director has the authority to approve settlements and issue compensation awards in undisputed claims.
19. What if the parties to the claim are unable to resolve their dispute(s) informally?
If the parties are unable to resolve their dispute(s) informally, they may request a referral of the claim to the Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) for a formal hearing. Decisions rendered by the administrative law judge may be appealed to the Benefits Review Board and thereafter, depending on where the claim is administered, to the U.S. District Court or to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Having an experienced Defense Base Act lawyer on your side can help this process go more smoothly.
20. How do I contact the OWCP district office?
The contact information for other Longshore district offices can be viewed here.
21. What are the insurance requirements under the DBA?
The insurance requirements under the DBA are identical to those found in the LHWCA. The Longshore Act requires every employer (including contractors and subcontractors) either to secure insurance for the payment of workers’ compensation benefits provided under the Act or to be permissibly self–insured. If a subcontractor fails to secure the payment of compensation, the contractor will be liable and will be required to secure the payment of such benefits.
22. Who is authorized to write DBA coverage?
The OWCP is responsible for the authorization of insurance carriers and self–insurance of employers. Over one hundred insurance carriers have been authorized to write Defense Base Act coverage. The market is concentrated in a small number of them. The carriers covered by the Department of Labor’s most recent industry report card, for fiscal year 2024, are AIG, Arch, AWAC, CNA and Starr.
23. Must an employer acquire DBA coverage for foreign nationals?
Yes. Benefits under the DBA are payable regardless of nationality. Therefore, employers should secure insurance coverage for all of their employees working outside the United States under a U.S. government contract, including U.S. citizens and residents, host country nationals (local hires), and third-country nationals (hired from another country to perform work in the host country).
24. What if an employer fails to secure payment of compensation as required by the DBA?
If an employer fails to secure payment of compensation, an injured employee, or his/her survivors in case of death, may elect to sue the employer for tort damages on account of such injury or death. In such action, the defendant may not plead as a defense that the injury was caused by the negligence of a fellow servant, or that the employee assumed the risk of his employment, or that the injury was due to the contributory negligence of the employee.
In addition, an employer who fails to secure the payment of compensation when required shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. If the employer is a corporation, the president, secretary, and treasurer shall also be severally liable for such fine and imprisonment. These three corporate officers shall also be personally liable, jointly and severally with the corporation, for any compensation or other benefit payable under the Act with respect to the injury or death of any of its employees.
25. What is a waiver?
The Secretary of Labor may waive application of the Defense Base Act with respect to any contract, work location, or class of employees upon the written request of the head of any department or other agency of the United States. It is Department of Labor policy that waivers do not apply to citizens or legal residents of the U.S. or to employees hired in the U.S. In addition, once granted, the waiver is only valid if alternative workers’ compensation benefits are provided to the waived employees pursuant to applicable local law. If there are no local workers’ compensation laws, the waiver has no effect and local and foreign nationals working under a U.S. contract are covered under the DBA.
27. What is the employer’s posting requirement under the DBA?
The DBA incorporates the LHWCA’s provision that every employer who has secured compensation under the Act must keep posted in a conspicuous place in and about its place of business typewritten or printed notice on Forms LS–241 (Notice to Employees) or LS–242 (Notice to Employees for Self–Insured Employers). Such notice must also contain the name and address of the employer representative to whom notice of injury is given, and the carrier, if any, with whom the employer has secured payment of compensation and the date of the expiration of the policy.
28. Where can I obtain Longshore forms?
Some Longshore forms can be accessed electronically. Forms are also available at any Longshore district office. To request a form, or for additional information and assistance on how to complete the forms, you may also contact the district office having jurisdiction over your claim.
Lavis Law Firm can help you fill out the LS-203 form.
29. When should I speak with a DBA Lawyer?
If you’re seeking a New Orleans DBA (Defense Base Act) lawyer, it’s essential to find a professional with the right expertise and experience to handle your case. A skilled DBA lawyer specializes in representing workers, particularly military contractors and federal employees, who have suffered work-related injuries while employed overseas. These legal professionals have a deep understanding of the Defense Base Act, which provides compensation for injuries or death that occur while working under U.S. government contracts abroad. A New Orleans DBA lawyer can guide you through the claims process, helping you navigate the complexities of filing a claim and securing the benefits you’re entitled to.
When selecting a DBA lawyer, you want an attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to advocating for your rights. These legal experts are often highly experienced in handling complex cases involving military contractors and federal employees, and they are well-versed in negotiating settlements and handling appeals. A trusted DBA lawyer will represent you throughout the entire process, from filing the initial claim to defending your rights in a legal tribunal. The lawyer will assess the situation, offer legal counsel, and protect your interests, ensuring that all aspects of the case are thoroughly addressed.
A New Orleans DBA lawyer is also equipped to advocate for fair compensation, whether you’re dealing with an injury sustained on a military base or in a conflict zone. Our aim is to pursue the benefits available under the Act, whether in the form of medical benefits, compensation for lost wages, or damages for long-term injuries. A responsive and professional lawyer will work closely with you, offering a customized approach based on your specific needs while leveraging in-depth knowledge of federal compensation laws. With our experience, Lavis Law Firm can manage the intricacies of both initial claims and any subsequent appeals, providing clear advice and steady support throughout the entire legal process.
If you need help or have any questions about your job injury case, call me, Charles Lavis, at 866-558-9151 or submit your inquiry online. Please be advised that you may be facing important legal deadlines, so don’t delay speaking with a local DBA attorney near you.
Related Resource: If your injury occurred on navigable U.S. waters or adjoining areas, you may also have rights under the Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act. Contact our Louisiana maritime injury lawyers to determine which law applies to your situation.
The Defense Base Act Report Card:
How Did Your Employer and your Employer’s Insurance Company Do?
In 2010 the US Department of Labor, in an effort to expedite the reporting of injuries and deaths and the payment of Defense Base Act benefits to military contractors and their families, began publishing a “Report Card” for the major Defense Base Act insurance companies. Employers and their insurers are responsible for reporting work related injuries and deaths and for paying DBA benefits.
The most recent results the Department has published are the final results for fiscal year 2024. They cover five carriers — AIG, Arch, AWAC, CNA and Starr — and measure how often each reported injuries and deaths to the Department within 20, 60 and 90 days. The reporting clock runs from the date of the injury or death, or from the date of the employer’s knowledge of the injury and the onset of disability, whichever is later.
Two things are worth knowing before reading the figures. The Department’s first column now measures 20 days rather than the 30 days used in earlier years, so the current numbers cannot be compared directly with the older report cards. And the carriers listed have changed over time, so a carrier that appeared in an earlier year may not appear here. Results from FY2009 onward, including the earlier 30-day figures and the first-payment timeliness data the Department published in some years, are on the Department of Labor’s report card page.
How many days did it take your employer and its Defense Base Act insurer to report the claim to the United States Department of Labor? How did they make you feel? I want to know.
The Report Card
FY2024 Final Performance Results Timeliness of DBA Reports of Injury |
Carrier | % of Cases Reported in 20 days or less | % of Cases Reported in 60 days or less | % of Cases Reported in 90 days or less |
| AIG | 92% | 93% | 94% |
| Arch | 97% | 98% | 98% |
| AWAC | 97% | 98% | 98% |
| CNA | 95% | 95% | 95% |
| STARR | 94% | 96% | 97% |
Defense Base Act Settlements: How Much Can You Expect?
If you’ve been injured while working overseas under a government contract, you may be entitled to compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA). Understanding how settlements work helps you judge an offer before you accept it.
How Are DBA Settlements Calculated?
Defense Base Act settlements vary based on several factors, including:
- Extent of Injuries – More severe injuries typically lead to higher settlements.
- Average Weekly Wage (AWW) – Your compensation is based on a percentage of your pre-injury wages.
- Permanent vs. Temporary Disability – Long-term injuries often result in higher payouts.
- Medical Expenses & Future Treatment – The cost of ongoing medical care impacts settlement amounts.
- Legal Representation – Hiring an experienced DBA attorney can help maximize your claim.
What a Defense Base Act settlement is worth
There is no typical figure, and we do not publish one. A settlement turns on the factors above as they apply to the individual claim, and it has no effect until it is approved: a lump-sum settlement must go to the district director or an administrative law judge, who may disapprove it as inadequate or as procured by duress. 33 U.S.C. § 908(i).
Should You Accept a DBA Settlement Offer?
Insurance companies often try to settle DBA claims for less than they are worth. Before accepting any offer, consider:
- Whether the settlement covers all future medical expenses.
- If it fairly compensates you for lost wages and earning potential.
- Whether you’ve consulted a DBA attorney to negotiate a better offer.
Get a Free DBA Settlement Consultation
At Lavis Law Firm, we specialize in Defense Base Act claims and settlements. Our team can help you assess your claim, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the compensation available to you under the Act. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn what your settlement may be worth.
New Orleans OWCP Office
Even after employment ends, a worker can still claim benefits for a work injury under the Defense Base Act. The claim is made on Form LS-203 (Employee’s Claim for Compensation), or Form LS-262 (Claim for Death Benefits) where a survivor is claiming.
Defense Base Act claims are federal. They are handled by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation — not by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which administers Louisiana’s state workers’ compensation system. Do not assume that filing only with a state workers’ compensation agency files or preserves a federal Defense Base Act claim; submit the claim to OWCP/DLHWC.
Louisiana is served by the Longshore New Orleans suboffice (07), part of the Southern District:
- Office: 600 South Maestri Street, Suite 617, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Phone: (202) 513-6809 — since 2020 the Longshore program uses a single national number for the national office and every suboffice
Do not mail claim forms to the New Orleans office. The Department of Labor directs that Forms LS-201, LS-202, LS-203 and LS-262 be filed online through the SEAPortal, which it treats as the preferred method, or mailed to OWCP/DLHWC, 400 West Bay Street, Room 63A, Box 28, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Popular New Orleans Defense Base Act Insurance Companies
Choosing the right DBA insurance in New Orleans can be challenging. In New Orleans, several prominent insurance providers offer Defense Base Act (DBA) coverage, including AIG, Clements Worldwide, Marsh McLennan Agency, Progressive Commercial, and PMC Insurance Group. These insurers provide specialized workers’ compensation coverage for U.S. government contractors working abroad, ensuring protection for work-related injuries or illnesses sustained on military bases or government projects overseas. They offer tailored policies that cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other benefits, with a focus on compliance with federal regulations. Local resources, such as the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s OWCA, can assist contractors in understanding their coverage options and filing claims for DBA benefits.
Navigating the New Orleans Court System
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and hired a lawyer, they will aim to secure a fair settlement. If an agreement isn’t reached, your case may go to trial. Knowing what to expect in court can ease the process and help you be prepared to seek the compensation available.
Contact an Experienced New Orleans Defense Based Act Lawyer Near You
If you are looking for the best New Orleans Defense Base Act (DBA) lawyer, contact Lavis Law Firm Personal Injury & Accident Attorney at (504) 834-4000 for a Free Consultation.
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Results in matters like this
Selected recoveries handled by Lavis Law Firm. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome and every case is unique. Amounts shown are gross recoveries or combined benefit figures before attorney fees, costs, liens and medical expenses, unless otherwise noted.
$672,781
Lifetime Medical Funded
Defense Base Act Resolution · Defense Base Act — Lifetime Medical
Comprehensive DBA recovery featuring $580,000 in direct compensation and $92,781 structured specifically for lifetime future medical coverage.
Results May Vary
$440,000
Open Medical Preserved
Defense Base Act Indemnity Settlement · Defense Base Act — Open Medical Preserved
Defense Base Act recovery securing $440,000 in upfront indemnity while successfully preserving lifetime open medical benefits.
Results May Vary
$350,000
Defense Base Act Settlement · Defense Base Act — Negotiated Recovery
Defense Base Act claim resulting in a full negotiated financial recovery.
Results May Vary