February 11, 2012
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Defense Base Act Compensates Injured Military & Government Contractors
The Defense Base Act is a workers' compensation insurance program designed specifically to provide benefits for injured government and military contractors. It is different from the state-run workers' compensation programs that serve private employees, and is administered according to a separate set of rules and procedures.
Who Is Covered by the DBA?
The Defense Base Act covers the following people:
-Public works contractors working for government agencies, including construction and service contractors involved in war or national defense efforts outside the U.S.
-Private employees working outside of the U.S. on American military bases or other property used for U.S. military purposes
-U.S. contractors working overseas under the Foreign Assistance Act, often in the sale of military equipment and services to U.S. allies
-People working abroad for U.S. employers that provide welfare or similar services for the benefit of the Armed forces, such as the U.S.O.
People who meet any of the criteria above are covered under the DBA regardless of nationality.
What Benefits Are Available Under the DBA?
The DBA provides medical, disability and death benefits to employees and contractors who are hurt or killed in the course of employment, even if the injury or death took place outside of working hours. An employee or contractor who is eligible for total disability benefits will receive two-thirds of his or her average weekly earnings, capped at a maximum of $1,295.20 per week. Compensation is also available for partial disabilities.
When an employee or contractor is killed in the line of work, his or her surviving family members may be eligible to receive death benefits. For a single surviving spouse or child, the death benefit is equal to one-half of the worker's average weekly pay. If two or more surviving family members are eligible for benefits, they may receive compensation equal to two-thirds of the worker's average weekly pay, up to the current weekly maximum.
Statute of Limitations
DBA claims are governed by strict deadlines and other requirements. To receive compensation for an injury or death, the injured person or surviving family members must submit a written claim within one year. People seeking benefits under the DBA or wishing to appeal a previous denial of benefits should consult with an attorney who is experienced in pursuing compensation for injured government and military contractors.
Article provided by Dobbs & Baker, Attorneys at Law
Visit us at http://www.dobbsandbakerlaw.com
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