Washington DC Area Attorney Pursues Defense Base Act Benefits for Clients
Experienced Washington DC Area lawyer seeks workers’ comp for government contractors injured in overseas employment
The Defense Base Act is a federal law that extends workers' compensation protection to civilians doing military or defense work overseas for the U.S. government. Overseas workers can be reimbursed for medical costs and a share of their lost wages, just as they would be under workers’ comp in the United States. Beiser Law Firm represents victims of job injuries occurring at American bases and other outposts worldwide in claiming Defense Base Act workers’ compensation benefits. Whether your employer has the required coverage or not, I will work diligently on your behalf to obtain the payments you are entitled to.
Detailed advice for military contractors injured while working abroad
The Defense Base Act has protected men and women working overseas under military contracts since 1942. Over the past 20 years, the military has increased the number of civilian contractors it hires in areas like the Middle East, which has led to a rise in workers’ compensation claims. If you have been hurt while on a military job in another country, Beiser Law Firm can represent you in seeking benefits under the Defense Base Act. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to collect workers’ compensation benefits under this act.
Employees covered under the act
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation — which administers the Defense Base Act to ensure that covered employees receive the benefits they’re entitled to — overseas employees covered under the act include those who:
- Work for private employers on American military bases or on any lands used by the United States for military purposes outside of the country
- Work on public work contracts with any U.S. government agency, including national defense-related construction and service contracts or with war activities outside the United States
- Work on contracts approved and funded by the U.S. government under the Foreign Assistance Act for work performed outside of the United States
- Work for American employers providing welfare or morale services outside of the United States for the benefit of the Armed Forces, such as the USO.
The process for filing a Defense Base Act workers’ comp claim
You should report your injury as soon as possible to your supervisor, who should authorize medical treatment immediately when needed. You can file your workers’ comp claim within three days of your injury if you still cannot do your job, and your employer must file an Employer's First Report of Injury, Form LS-202, within 10 days of your injury if you've been unable to work for one or more shifts. Lost wages are usually reimbursed at approximately two-thirds of a worker's average weekly wage, up to the weekly maximum, until they return to work or maximum medical improvement has been reached. Medical costs are paid by the employer's insurer, but as in other types of workers' compensation claims, employers with insurance coverage are not required to pay damages for pain and suffering. Beiser Law Firm always provides a free initial consultation, but strict time limits apply, so if you or a loved one has been hurt while working overseas as a contractor or subcontractor for the U.S. government, it's important to act quickly.
Contact an experienced Defense Base Act lawyer for a free initial consultation
Beiser Law Firm represents clients all through the United States and Internationally in Defense Base Act workers’ compensation claims. Please call 301-298-1088, contact me online or email me directly at [email protected] for a free initial consultation at my Rockville office or by telephone.
