Getting hurt on the job is never easy, but it can feel even scarier when it happens in a foreign country. If you’re working under a U.S. contract and you get injured overseas, the good news is that you may be protected. The Defense Base Act (DBA) gives you legal rights—even if you’re not an American citizen. Knowing your Defense Base Act rights for injured overseas workers could change everything about how you recover.

Yes, you read that right. The DBA Act applies to many non-U.S. workers, and knowing your rights can make all the difference.

What Is the Defense Base Act, and Who Does It Help?

The Defense Base Act is a special U.S. law that protects people who work on U.S. military bases or government contracts outside the United States. This includes workers from other countries. So if you were hurt while working overseas for a U.S. contractor, the DBA might cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

You don’t have to be an American. Many injured foreign workers think they can’t file a claim—but that’s just not true. The DBA was designed to protect everyone doing this type of work, no matter where you’re from.

The law includes workers from Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and all around the world. If you were building, maintaining, or guarding something for the U.S. government or military, chances are the DBA covers you.

Benefits for Injured Overseas Workers Under the DBA Act

If you’re covered under the DBA Act, you could receive several important benefits. The law gives you access to:

  • Free medical treatment related to your injury or illness
  • Compensation for lost wages while you can’t work
  • Disability payments if you can’t return to the same job
  • Death benefits for families if a worker is killed

Sounds helpful, right? But here’s the catch: you have to file a proper claim. And you need to do it within the correct time limits. That’s why it helps to speak to someone who knows how this law works.

Even though you may be back in your home country, the Defense Base Act rights for injured overseas workers still apply. You can file a claim from abroad, and you don’t have to return to the U.S. to take legal action.

Common DBA Claim Mistakes Workers Should Avoid

Too many injured workers lose out on benefits because they simply don’t know their rights. Some wait too long to file. Others accept a small payment and think they can’t ask for more.

Here are a few things you should never do:

  • Don’t ignore pain or injuries hoping they go away
  • Don’t sign anything without understanding what it means
  • Don’t wait months before telling someone you were hurt

If you need medical help, get it. If you think something feels unfair, ask questions. And if you’re unsure about what to do next, talk to a lawyer who understands the Defense Base Act.

Also, don’t rely on your employer to explain everything. While some companies may help, others might avoid paying what you deserve. That’s why it’s so important to know your rights and fight for them.

How Attorney Ben Akech Helps Injured DBA Workers

Here’s where Attorney Ben Akech comes in. He has years of experience helping injured workers who were hurt while working on U.S. contracts overseas. Ben knows the DBA Act inside and out.

He’s helped clients from all over the world get the money and medical care they need after serious injuries. He understands how difficult it is to deal with an injury, especially from another country.

Ben listens to your story, answers your questions, and gives you honest advice. He doesn’t use complicated legal talk. Instead, he keeps things simple so you feel confident every step of the way.

When insurance companies try to delay or deny your claim, Ben knows exactly how to push back. He’ll help you collect the evidence, file the paperwork, and represent you until your case is resolved.

Best of all, you can get his help without flying back to the U.S. That’s right—Ben can work with you wherever you are.

Protecting Your DBA Rights After an Overseas Injury

If you were hurt while working under a U.S. contract, don’t assume your rights ended when you flew home. The Defense Base Act gives you legal protections, and you should use them.

Pay attention to how you feel. Get medical care. Keep records of what happened. And most importantly, don’t wait too long to take action.

If you think something isn’t right, ask questions. And if you want someone who will fight for your rights, talk to a lawyer like Ben Akech. He’s ready to help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.

Getting hurt overseas is hard enough. Fighting for your rights shouldn’t make it worse. The Defense Base Act exists to protect you—make sure you take full advantage of it.