Defense Base Act

Understanding The Defense Base Act

The Defense Base Act is a specialized federal workers’ compensation system covering civilians who work abroad under United States government contracts. It is far broader than many people assume. It is not limited to injuries on military bases or harm caused by acts of war. The Act reaches nearly any civilian working overseas at the behest of the U.S. government, even when the employer is a private company contracting or subcontracting with the United States.

These claims move through their own federal administrative process, with distinct rules, reporting requirements, and deadlines. The insurance carriers defending them are experienced and well-resourced. At Jacobi & Case, we help injured contractors understand their rights and pursue the medical care and wage benefits the law provides.

Importantly, the Defense Base Act includes a fee-shifting provision that may require the insurance company, not you, to pay your attorney’s fees on a successful claim. Initial consultations with our firm are always free.

What Sets Us Apart In Defense Base Act Claims

A Defense Base Act claim is rarely a simple matter of filing a form. The process can be complicated and drawn out, and the difference between a denied claim and the benefits you deserve often comes down to having someone in your corner who knows the system and is genuinely invested in your case. That is the standard we hold ourselves to.

Individualized Attention

You are a person, not a file number. We take the time to understand your injury, your work history, and your goals, and we keep you informed and reachable at every turn, so you always know where your claim stands.

Guidance at Every Step

We don’t just help at the very beginning and the very end. We walk with you through the entire process, from reporting and filing to medical and wage disputes, hearings, and appeals, so nothing falls through the cracks along the way.

Experience Where It Counts

These claims have their own federal rules, deadlines, and well-resourced insurance carriers on the other side. We bring focused experience with the Act’s requirements so you can lean on us to navigate the complexity for you.

Broad Coverage For Workers Far From Home

Just as the range of covered workers is wide, so too are the benefits. From translators and clerical staff to construction crews and security personnel, the Act protects a remarkable variety of overseas roles, along with a wide range of injuries and illnesses.

Who Qualifies

Civilian contractors and subcontractors working abroad on U.S. government projects, whether military or not. The large majority of claims are military-related, but the law is not limited to them.

When You’re Covered

Injuries in the course of employment, not only while actively working. Off-duty injuries, such as those at the base gym or while walking to the dining facility, may also be covered.

What’s Compensated

Medical treatment, ongoing care, and lost wages. Beyond physical injuries, the Act can reach PTSD, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, and certain occupational illnesses.

Defense Base Act Services

We guide injured contractors through every stage of a Defense Base Act claim, from reporting the injury and filing the initial claim, to securing medical and wage benefits, to representing you in disputes, hearings before the U.S. Department of Labor, and appeals. Our goal is to take the procedural burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.

Defense Base Act Claims At A Glance

Eligibility and coverage assessment for overseas contractors
Claims for medical treatment and ongoing care
Lost-wage and disability compensation
On-the-job and off-duty injury claims
PTSD and psychological injury claims
Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
Occupational illnesses contracted overseas
“Zone of special danger” and war-hazard injuries
Denied, disputed, or terminated benefits
Hearings before the U.S. Department of Labor and appeals
Guidance on the Act’s fee-shifting provision
Free, no-obligation case evaluations

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