Defense Base Act Attorney

Helping Injured Overseas Contractors Secure the Benefits They Deserve

The Defense Base Act (DBA) protects civilian contractors injured while supporting U.S. military and government operations overseas. At the Law Office of Ben Akech, LLC, we represent injured contractors, subcontractors, and foreign nationals who seek medical care, wage replacement, and long-term disability benefits under federal law.

If you suffered an injury while working in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Djibouti, or other overseas locations, you may qualify for compensation—even if your employer or insurer already denied your claim.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation law that extends the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) to civilian employees working outside the United States on U.S. government contracts.

Specifically, the DBA covers workers employed on:

• U.S. military bases and installations abroad

• Overseas construction and reconstruction projects

• Contracts funded or approved by the U.S. government

• Foreign aid, security, logistics, and support operations

Because the DBA is mandatory, employers must carry DBA insurance. As a result, injured workers do not need to prove fault to recover benefits.

Who Qualifies for Defense Base Act Coverage?

You may qualify for DBA benefits if you worked overseas as:

• A civilian contractor or subcontractor

• A foreign national employed on a U.S. government contract

• A third-country national (TCN)

• A translator, interpreter, driver, or security guard

• A construction, logistics, or support worker

Importantly, coverage applies regardless of citizenship.

Moreover, it often applies even when injuries occur off base, during transportation, or under hostile conditions.

Injuries Covered Under the Defense Base Act

The Defense Base Act covers a wide range of physical and psychological injuries.

Physical Injuries

• Explosions and blast-related injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Back, neck, knee, and shoulder injuries

• Burns, electrical injuries, and crush injuries

• Vehicle and convoy accidents

• Falls and equipment-related injuries

Psychological and Occupational Injuries

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions

• Cumulative trauma injuries

• Occupational illnesses and toxic exposure

Notably, PTSD and mental health injuries qualify for DBA benefits, even without a single catastrophic event.

Defense Base Act Benefits Available to Injured Workers

A successful DBA claim can provide significant financial and medical relief. Depending on your case, benefits may include:

• Full medical treatment coverage with no copays

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits

• Permanent Partial or Total Disability (PPD/PTD) compensation

• Vocational rehabilitation services

• Travel and mileage reimbursement

• Death benefits for surviving family members

Because DBA benefits are paid in U.S. dollars, they often exceed local compensation systems.

Common Problems in Defense Base Act Claims

Although the law protects injured workers, insurance carriers frequently challenge DBA claims. For example, insurers often:

• Dispute whether the injury qualifies as work-related

• Deny PTSD and psychological injury claims

• Delay or terminate wage benefits prematurely

• Challenge employment status or subcontractor coverage

• Offer settlements far below fair value

Therefore, injured workers benefit greatly from experienced legal representation.

Why Choose the Law Office of Ben Akech, LLC?

At the Law Office of Ben Akech, LLC, we take a worker-first, litigation-ready approach to Defense Base Act claims.

We offer:

• Experience representing international and non-U.S. workers

• Strong command of federal workers’ compensation law

• Focused advocacy for PTSD and complex medical claims

• Strategic negotiation with DBA insurance carriers

• Clear communication across borders and time zones

• Contingency-based representation — no upfront legal fees

Above all, we understand the realities of overseas contract work and the challenges injured workers face after returning home.

Defense Base Act Claims for Afghanistan and Iraq Contractors

Many DBA claims arise from work performed in Afghanistan and Iraq, where contractors faced dangerous and unpredictable conditions. We routinely represent workers involved in:

• U.S. and NATO military base operations

• Reconstruction and infrastructure projects

• Security and convoy services

• Interpreter and embassy support roles

Even if your injury occurred years ago, you may still qualify for benefits. In many cases, workers delay filing simply because they were never informed of their rights.

Death Benefits Under the Defense Base Act

When a contractor dies due to a work-related injury or illness, the Defense Base Act provides monthly death benefits to eligible survivors. These benefits may include:

• Ongoing payments to spouses and dependents

• Funeral and burial expense coverage

We assist families with compassion while ensuring full compliance with federal requirements.

Speak With a Defense Base Act Lawyer Today

If you suffered an injury while working overseas on a U.S. government contract, do not face the insurance company alone. The Law Office of Ben Akech, LLC is ready to help you pursue the maximum benefits available under the Defense Base Act.