In-depth guides for overseas contractors and harbor workers navigating federal workers' compensation. Written in plain English — no legalese.
The Defense Base Act is a federal law that provides workers' compensation to civilian contractors injured at overseas US military bases. If you worked for a US government contractor abroad and were hurt on the job, you may be entitled to significant compensation — even if you are not a US citizen. Most contractors have never heard of it. Here's what you need to know.
Getting injured abroad is isolating enough without knowing your legal rights. This guide walks you through what to do immediately after an injury overseas, which laws protect you, and what steps to take before it's too late to file a claim.
Filing a Defense Base Act claim involves multiple federal agencies, strict deadlines, and paperwork that can overwhelm anyone who isn't a workers' comp attorney. This step-by-step breaks down the entire process so you know exactly what to do and when.
The DBA covers far more than acute physical injuries. Repetitive stress injuries, occupational diseases, psychological trauma, and even pre-existing conditions aggravated by overseas work may qualify. Here's what the law actually covers.
The LHWCA protects maritime workers injured on navigable waters — but the eligibility rules are nuanced. If you've worked in a port, on a ship, or in any harbor-related role and suffered an injury, understanding this act is critical to getting the compensation you deserve.
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