BEST Defense Base Act Lawyer Near You
There is much to understand when it comes to the Defense Base Act or DBA. An American who works overseas as a government contractor should be aware of all elements of the DBA 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 put together a guide to all things DBA: The Defense Base Act – 27 Things Employees Of U.S. Government Contractors Should Be Aware Of. This guide is for those who perform work overseas and their families to help them understand how to avoid losing benefits, as shared by an experienced DBA attorney out of New Orleans, Louisiana.
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DBA Guide - Table of Contents
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 eleven district offices located throughout the United States.6. Where should new claims arising out of Iraq and Afghanistan be filed?
If you have been injured in Iraq or Afghanistan you or your DBA lawyer can file a claim with the New York Longshore District Office, Post Office Box 249, 201 Varick Street, Room 740, New York, NY 10014, telephone (646)264–3010, fax (646) 264–3002.
7. DBA claim 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, up to a current maximum of $1,510.76 per week.
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 the current maximum rate of $1,510.76 per week.
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 DBA lawyer near you.
There is also the possibility of being paid a lump sum in a DBA claim settlement if the injuries sustained are classified as general injuries. There are 3 main types of general injuries that would be eligible for a settlement payout according to the DBA. These are:
1. PTSD: with an average payout of $100,000 – $500,000
2. Hearing loss: with an average payout of $50,000 – $100,000
3. Other general injuries of which there was no specific event causing them: with an average payout of $100,000 – $500,000
8. Is Hearing Loss Covered Under the Defense Base Act?
You may be wondering, “Is heating 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.
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 and better your chance of a favorable outcome.
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. Currently, three major insurance carriers provide most of the Defense Base Act insurance coverage. They are ACE USA Companies, American International Group (AIG) Companies, and CNA.
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 .
29. When should I speak with a DBA Lawyer?
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.
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 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 payment of DBA benefits.
According to the “Report Card” for the first quarter of 2016, ACE, AIG, AWAC, CNA, STAR INDEMNITY and ZURICH reported injuries and deaths to the Department of Labor District Offices within 30 days, 86% (Zurich) to 100% (ACE) of the time. These figures are calculated on reporting within 30 days of the date of the injury or death, or the date of the employer’s knowledge of the injury and the onset of disability, whichever is later.
According to the DOL, first payments were issued within 30 days of disabling injury or death between 58% (AIG) and 93% (STAR INDEMNITY) of the time in the same reporting period.
The full report from 2009 through 2019 is found below and can also be found on the Department of Labor’s website.
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
FY2019 Final Performance Results Timeliness of DBA First Reports of Injury |
Carrier | % of Cases Reported in 30 days or less | % of Cases Reported in 60 days or less | % of Cases Reported in 90 days or less |
ACE | 93% | 96% | 98% |
AIG | 92% | 94% | 96% |
AWAC | 98% | 99% | 99% |
CNA | 95% | 92% | 96% |
STARR INDEMNITY | 93% | 97% | 98% |
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.