WHO IS COVERED UNDER THE DBA
Welcome to the Defense Base Act Forum
This website is for Independent Contractors who have served under contract from the U.S. Government. If you have been injured overseas while working as an independent contractor you may be entitled to medical and monetary compensation benefits from your Defense Base Act insurance.
We have created this website as a forum for Independent Contractors to learn about issues that may affect them and for them to be able to communicate with other Independent Contractors who have been through the same or similar issues.
This is not limited to DBA claims relating to injuries from overseas but to general topics relevant to the contractor community. This website is made to promote the community of Independent Contractors worldwide, benefit injured workers and stress the importance of competent legal representation.
Who Is Covered?
This act covers people in the categories below:
*Note that all the criteria above do not have to be met before the worker in question qualifies for Defense Base Act coverage. If one of the requirements above is met, the employee may qualify for DBA coverage.
Benefits Under the Defense Base Act
Benefits under the Defense Base Act
This Act provides medical, disability and death benefits to covered employees who are injured or die in the course of employment outside the United States. The employees covered are entitled to the said compensation whether the injury or disability occurred during working hours or not. Compensation is paid by DBA insurance providers for partial loss of earnings. In addition, injured employees are entitled to medical treatment by the employer.
What Is Covered Under The Defense Base Act?
In cases of total disability, the employee is entitled to two thirds (66.6%) of his or her average weekly earnings. Permanent disability, total disability and death benefits are payable for life. Some of these benefits are subject to annual cost of living adjustments. For aliens and employers who are not US residents, death benefits may be commuted. In this case, the payment may be 50% of the present value of future compensation.
Reporting Injuries And Filing Claims
The procedure for filing claims or reporting injuries must be done the right way. Usually, the employer notifies the Defense Base Act insurance carrier as soon as an injury occurs. In cases where medical treatment is needed, it should be authorized immediately. The Employer's First Report of Injury, Form LS-202 must be filled within ten days of the injury.
Success Story?
While protecting a diplomat in a war zone, this contractor's convoy was attacked. As he jumped from the hood of his vehicle, he landed on his knee and tore and shattered everything you can imagine. That he was an overseas contractor that saved a diplomat and destroyed his knee wasn't enough for the insurance company. They wanted to shaft him entirely and let him suffer with no help whatsoever. Matthew T Singer, a seasoned Defense Base Act attorney, entered the picture and made sure he and his family received every last drop of benefits they deserved. Now on the mend, he is able to get back to the life he had prior to the injury.
Why You Need a DBA Attorney
On paper, getting compensation from your insurance company should be a simple process. In practice, things can get quite complicated even after you have met all the Defense Base Act requirements. One problem that may affect your compensation claim is the existence of Defense Act Waivers. Other problem areas for employees eligible for compensation are improper filing of claims forms, wrong timing, and manipulation on the part of the insurer. The truth is that insurance companies are always looking for ways to wiggle out of settling claims. For this reason, it is vital that you read the small print carefully and consult a competent legal expert to help you pursue your entitlements.
Things You Should Never Do
Coverage Requirements
It is important to understand Defense Base Act insurance requirements and DBA insurance rates clearly. According to sections 1 (a)(4) and (5) of the defense Base Act, every contractor that comes within the purview of this act shall take out the insurance policy in question on behalf of its employees and maintain the policy for the duration of the said contract. DBA insurance requirements act states that:
DBA Insurance Providers
Three major Defense Base Act Insurance carriers are ACE-USA, CNA, and AIG. Apart from these three firms, over 700 companies are authorized to handle this special form of insurance. These firms include insurance carriers and self-insured employers. Below is a list of 20 insurance carriers and 20 self-insured employers.
Insurance Carriers
- 1IU Insurance Company
- 2Alaska Timber Insurance Exchange
- 3All America Insurance Company
- 4Allianz Underwriters Insurance Co.
- 5Allied Eastern Indemnity Insurance Company
- 6Allied World National Assurance Company
- 7Allmerica Financial Benefit Insurance Co
- 8AMCO Insurance Company
- 9American Automobile Ins. Co.
- 10American Casualty Co of Reading. PA
- 11American Economy Insurance Co.
- 12American Family Home Insurance Company
Self-Insured Employers
- 1United National Ins. Co.
- 2U.S. Fire Insurance Co.
- 3Upper Hudson National Insurance Company
- 4Valley Forge Insurance Company
- 5Vigilant Ins. Co.
- 6Wausau Business Insurance Company
- 7Wausau Underwriters Ins. Co.
- 8West American Insurance Co.
- 9Westchester Fire Insurance Co.
- 10Western National Mutual Insurance Company
- 11Westfield National Insurance Company
- 12Williamsburg Nat'l. Insurance Co.
Obligations of the Employer and Expectations of the Employee
Section 4(a) of the Act makes it mandatory that the employer must secure payment for the employee in case of death, injury or disability. In cases where the employer fails to secure the payment of the said compensation, the contractor will be liable for and will be required to pay the benefits in question.
Final Words
No matter what, always consult a competent and experienced attorney for advice and legal representation. This is the only way to ensure that you get full compensation and benefits from carriers that will do whatever they can to not pay you.
Request a Consultation Appointment
If you think you have a case and would like us to take a look at the details, please complete all fields of the form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Your information is totally confidential and secure. Please note, however, that our review of your case does not create an attorney client relationship. We are happy to represent you and do our utmost for our clients. Your win is our win. Let’s get ‘em.
Our Happy Clients
I highly recommend his services...
Matt Singer was of invaluable help to my son and my family. My son Weston served with Halliburton in Afghanistan and was injured. AIG stood in his way for years, blocking his treatment and delaying his recovery. After years of trying to resolve this issue, we finally succeeded getting my son his necessary disk replacement surgery. We eventually found and contacted Matt late in our fight. He helped us quickly get the final resolution and settlement with the insurance company through arbitration. If we had known to contact him earlier, we would not have had a six year ordeal with unbelievable anguish and pain. I highly recommend his services.
ANONYMOUS
Matthew Singer always has your six...
I was injured in Iraq working as a security contractor in 2008, which started as a nightmare with the insurance company's bought and paid for shills, always looking for ways not to help you...I highly recommend the law office of Matthew T. Singer. His knowledge of DEFENSE BASE ACT insurance is second to none. I know about second to none, as a former US NAVY SEAL I recognized a professional in the way my case was conducted, was outstanding. All my concerns in regards to my case was always answered promptly. Matthew Singer always has your six.
Foster Harmon