Defense Base Act Lawyers for Injured Contractors
Former Defense Counsel, Proven Results
6,000+ DBA cases | $550M+ recovered | 75+ years’ experience | Over 400 trials.
The Leading Defense Base Act Law Firm
The law firm of Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. represents injured workers in a variety of forms. The firm’s primary focus is handling injured employee claims of civilian contractors working outside the United States pursuant to a contract with the United States Government. These claims are covered under the Defense Base Act, which is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. has one of the largest and most experienced Defense Base Act practices in the country, with attorneys who together bring more than 100 years of litigation and trial experience.
Our firm is built on the principle of providing exceptional representation, combining skill, integrity, and dedication to achieve the best outcome for every client. We know that being injured overseas can be very traumatic. Between not being with family members and the injury itself, things can become very hectic. Experience and knowledge matter in Defense Base Act cases, and our firm has built its reputation on delivering strong results for injured workers and their families. Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A. work to ensure your rights under the Defense Base Act are protected. Our team takes the time to explain the DBA claims process clearly, so you know what to expect at every stage. We are committed to fighting tirelessly to secure the medical care and financial benefits you and your family need to move forward.
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What Is the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law extending the protections of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) to civilian employees working under U.S. government contracts. It ensures compensation and medical care for workers injured or killed while performing services tied to military bases, public works, or national defense projects. The DBA is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and applies worldwide, offering crucial benefits to contractors regardless of their country of origin.
We help guide injured contractors through every step of the DBA claims process, fighting to secure the compensation and civilian contractor benefits they’re entitled to.
Federal Protection
Covers injuries for contractors on U.S. government contracts worldwide.
Civilian Contractors
Applies to workers supporting military, embassies, and aid missions.
Legal Compensation
Provides wage replacement, medical care, and disability benefits.
DBA Claim Process
File claims through the Department of Labor with legal guidance.
Strict Deadlines
Typically have one to two years to file a claim from date of awareness.
DBA Attorney Help
Experienced lawyers improve success and fight denied claims.
Why Would You Need a Defense Base Act Attorney?
Filing a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim may seem straightforward, but the reality is often very different. Insurance companies and employers frequently challenge, delay, or deny claims. Without the guidance of an experienced Defense Base Act attorney, injured civilian contractors can miss out on critical benefits, face unnecessary delays, or even lose their rights altogether.
A skilled Defense Base Act lawyer ensures that your claim is filed properly, supported by credible evidence, and aggressively prosecuted amid insurance carrier tactics. From handling medical disputes to pursuing compensation for lost wages or permanent disability, your attorney becomes your advocate.
Choosing the best Defense Base Act law firm means having a team that understands the law, the strategies used by insurers, and the hardships civilian contractors face after being injured. With over 6,000 DBA cases handled and 100's of millions recovered for clients, our firm knows what it takes to secure the benefits you and your family deserve.
Who’s Covered Under the Defense Base Act?
The DBA covers a broad range of civilian employees working on U.S. contracts, including:
- Workers on U.S. military bases or lands used for military purposes.
- Employees engaged in public works or national defense projects outside the continental U.S.
- Individuals providing services to support U.S. military missions, such as translators, security personnel, and construction crews.
- Employees working for organizations funded by the U.S. government, including those on humanitarian or aid projects.
Importantly, coverage extends to workers from all nationalities—not just American citizens—reflecting today’s global contractor workforce.
DBA Benefits: Medical, Disability, and Death
Medical Benefits: Injured workers are entitled to all reasonable and necessary medical care related to their injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation.
Disability Benefits: The DBA provides wage replacement for workers who cannot return to work, whether temporarily or permanently. Compensation is based on the worker’s average weekly wage and may be total or partial, depending on the severity of the disability.
Death Benefits: If a work-related injury or illness results in death, surviving dependents may receive weekly compensation and funeral expenses. Benefits can extend to spouses, children, and other dependents.
Injuries & Conditions Covered
DBA benefits extend to a wide range of physical and psychological conditions, including:
- Traumatic injuries (fractures, burns, amputations)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Hearing loss from blasts or machinery
- Respiratory illness or toxic exposure
- Long-term conditions, including certain cancers tied to service environments
Many other injuries and illnesses may qualify for Defense Base Act benefits. If your condition isn’t listed above, don’t assume you’re not covered—contact our firm today to discuss your situation and learn more about your rights.
Denied or Delayed DBA Claims
It is common for employers or insurance carriers to deny or delay DBA claims. Common tactics include disputing whether the injury is work-related, minimizing the extent of disability, or delaying medical approvals. If your claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal through the U.S. Department of Labor. Having an experienced Defense Base Act attorney is critical to challenging these denials, gathering medical evidence, and representing you in hearings.
Attorney Fees in DBA Cases
One of the most important protections built into the Defense Base Act is that injured workers do not have to worry about paying attorney fees out of their own pocket. Under federal law, when you hire a Defense Base Act attorney, the fees are typically paid by the insurance company if your claim is successful. This ensures that injured civilian contractors and their families can pursue compensation without the added burden of legal costs.
If an insurance carrier delays or denies your DBA claim, your lawyer can petition for fees directly from the carrier once benefits are secured. In other situations, fees may be subject to approval by the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure they are reasonable and fair. The result is that you receive skilled representation without financial risk.
Zone of Special Danger
The “Zone of Special Danger” doctrine is an important legal principle under the Defense Base Act. It means that injuries do not have to occur strictly while performing job duties to be compensable. If the conditions of employment place a worker in a zone where the risk of harm is higher—even outside traditional work hours—the injury may still be covered.
For example, if a contractor is injured while engaging in reasonable activities connected to their employment environment (such as transportation, meals, or recreation in a remote or hazardous location), those injuries can still qualify for DBA benefits. This principle has been upheld by courts to ensure that civilian contractors are protected from the broader risks of deployment.
- Coverage can extend to off-duty injuries if they are related to the work environment.
- Applies even to seemingly routine activities (traveling to eat, living accommodations, or recreation in isolated areas).
This doctrine strengthens the protections of the DBA by recognizing that employment in foreign or dangerous locations creates risks that extend beyond the jobsite itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Defense Base Act? Our FAQ covers everything from eligibility and benefits to filing deadlines and denied claims—helping injured contractors understand their rights.
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law that provides workers’ compensation benefits to civilian contractors injured while working on U.S. government contracts. It covers injuries, illnesses, and deaths that occur while supporting military operations, embassies, and aid projects.
News & Articles
Stay informed with the latest firm news, legal insights, and updates on Defense Base Act developments—all designed to educate and empower our clients and community.