Throughout the United States’ extended military presence in Afghanistan, tens of thousands of civilian contractors were employed to provide vital support. At the height of operations in 2014, more than 50,000 non-military workers were stationed in the country. Even as military activity diminished, contractors continued to play an important role in keeping bases and operations functioning.
Contractors worked in logistics, base support, private security, construction, translation, and information technology, among other areas. Each of these roles carried occupational risks, and when combined with the dangers of working in a war zone, the chance of serious injury or death increased significantly.
Contractor Casualties and War Zone Risks
Civilian contractor casualties in Afghanistan were often higher than those of U.S. military personnel during certain periods. Many deaths were the result of suicide bombings, roadside explosives, aircraft crashes, or ambushes carried out by disguised insurgents. These dangers underscored the reality that contractors faced combat-related risks despite not being enlisted soldiers.
Beyond combat incidents, exposure to toxic fumes from burn pits also presented lasting health threats. Burn pits were widely used across Afghanistan to dispose of waste, and many workers later developed severe illnesses linked to the smoke and chemicals they inhaled. Some of the largest burn pit sites were located at Bagram Air Base, Camp Bastion Airfield, FOB Salerno, Jalalabad, and Kandahar, among others.
Long-Term Health Consequences
The effects of burn pit exposure are serious and often delayed. Contractors returning from Afghanistan have reported cancers such as lung, brain, bone, and skin cancer, as well as respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, heart problems, and severe skin conditions. These illnesses may not develop until years after exposure, making it essential for workers to seek medical evaluations and monitor their health closely.
Defense Base Act Protection
Unlike workers in the United States, civilian contractors employed overseas are not covered by state workers’ compensation programs. Instead, they may be entitled to benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA), a federal law that provides medical care, wage replacement, and death benefits to injured contractors and their families. While this program exists to protect those who serve abroad, securing benefits is not automatic. Filing deadlines, strict requirements, and frequent disputes from insurance carriers make pursuing a claim challenging without experienced legal help.
What To Do If You Were Injured in Afghanistan
If you worked for a U.S. contractor in Afghanistan and are now suffering from injuries or medical conditions, your health problems may be linked to your service. The list of illnesses connected to toxic exposure is long and growing, and many contractors continue to discover late-developing conditions. It is critical to seek medical advice and consult with attorneys who understand the Defense Base Act process.
At Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., our attorneys have extensive experience handling DBA claims. We are committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through the process to secure the compensation you and your family deserve.