Defense Base Act
Hurt overseas working for a U.S. government contractor? The Defense Base Act pays your medical care and lost wages.
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is workers' compensation for civilians who work outside the United States on U.S. military bases or under U.S. government contracts. It is an extension of the federal Longshore Act, so injured contractors get Longshore benefits: medical care, wage benefits and death benefits for families.
Daniel Weltin has handled Longshore Act claims since 2003. If you were hurt or became sick while working overseas for a government contractor, we can help you file and fight for your benefits from here in California.
The DBA can cover you if you work outside the United States:
The Department of Labor says coverage applies to workers of any nationality, including U.S. citizens, local hires and workers from other countries. Your injury does not have to happen on the job site. Injuries during travel to and from work that the employer or the U.S. provides can be covered too.
Your average weekly wage should include your overseas pay. Insurance carriers sometimes leave out bonuses, hazard pay or overtime. We check the numbers.
Give your employer written notice within 30 days of the injury (Form LS-201). File your claim with the Department of Labor within one year of the injury or of the last payment of benefits (Form LS-203). For occupational illnesses, such as conditions from burn pits or toxic exposure, the deadlines run from when you knew the illness was connected to your work. New claims are filed with the Department of Labor online through SEAPortal or by mail, not with a local office.
Many DBA claims are denied or cut off by the insurance carrier. A lawyer can help you prove your wage, choose your doctor and push for the full benefits the law allows. Under the Longshore Act, an attorney fee must be approved by the Department of Labor or a judge, and in many cases the fee is paid by the insurance carrier, not by you.
Free consultation. Se habla español. Call (510) 856-4421.
Reviewed by Daniel Weltin, attorney at law. Updated November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice for your case. Photo: contractors at Kunsan Air Base, Korea (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Colbert).
Call (510) 856-4421 or send the form. We can talk by phone or video wherever you are, in English or Spanish.
We make sure your employer has written notice and your claim is filed with the U.S. Department of Labor on time.
We push the insurance carrier to approve your doctor and pay your disability benefits, including travel home for care when needed.
If the carrier denies or cuts benefits, we take the case to an informal conference and, if needed, an administrative law judge.
Hurt on a tug, barge, ferry or fishing boat? Your employer owes you more than maintenance and cure.
Hurt on the docks, in the yard or aboard ship? Protect your right to choose your own doctor.
Call (510) 856-4421. The consultation is free, in English or Spanish.
Hurt on the job in California? Get your medical care, disability checks and a fair settlement. Se habla español.
