Defense Base Act Attorneys Helping Injured Overseas Contractors
If you're a civilian contractor injured while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, you may qualify for benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA). The attorneys at Templer & Hirsch specialize in Defense Base Act claims, representing injured workers across the globe.
With decades of experience, we fight to secure maximum compensation for DBA injuries—whether physical or psychological—and guide clients through every step of the claims process.
Why You Need a Defense Base Act Lawyer
Insurance companies often minimize, delay, or deny valid DBA claims. Templer & Hirsch's Defense Base Act lawyers ensure you're not left fighting alone.
We handle:
- Denied claims and low settlement offers
- Complex psychological injury cases (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- All paperwork and deadlines
- Direct negotiations with insurers
- Appeals before the Department of Labor
Learn more about our mission and experience on our Firm Overview.
Common Injuries Covered Under the Defense Base Act
Whether you suffered an injury in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere in the world, we can help. Our clients include logistics workers, translators, truck drivers, and private security personnel injured by:
- IEDs and combat trauma
- Equipment accidents
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Psychological trauma and PTSD (Learn more about our Defense Base Act PTSD Lawyers here.)
- Environmental hazards (burn pits, toxic exposure)
Not Sure What Your Claim Is Worth?
Use our quick DBA Settlement Calculator to estimate your weekly compensation based on your wages, injury severity, and disability status.
Filing a DBA Claim: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Filing correctly is essential. Our detailed guide will help you get started:
Filing a Claim Under the Defense Base Act – A Step-by-Step Guide
Key steps include:
- Notifying your employer
- Filing Form LS-203
- Gathering medical and wage documentation
- Responding to insurance objections
You don't have to do this alone—our lawyers are here to guide you.
Serving Civilian Contractors Around the World
We represent injured workers from:
- Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria
- Kuwait, Qatar, UAE
- Africa (e.g., Djibouti, Somalia)
- Asia and Europe
Wherever your injury occurred, Templer & Hirsch can help. Our global Defense Base Act law practice ensures you're supported wherever you are.
Related Resources for Overseas Contractors
These resources provide important context around contractor rights and federal contracting standards.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to be injured on a military base to qualify for DBA?
No. The DBA applies to any qualifying contract overseas—even if the injury occurred off base.
Can I file a claim while still overseas?
Yes. We handle DBA claims remotely and file everything on your behalf.
What if my claim was denied?
We'll appeal your case, represent you at hearings, and fight to reverse unfair denials.
Speak With a Defense Base Act Attorney Today
Templer & Hirsch has helped hundreds of civilian contractors receive fair compensation after serious injuries. You don't pay us unless we win.
- Free Case Evaluation
- No Upfront Fees
- We Handle All DBA Claims Worldwide
Let us help you fight back. Call us at 305-937-2700 or message us here for a free consultation.
The Defense Base Act — What Overseas Contractors Should Know
The Defense Base Act extends federal workers’ compensation to civilian employees of US military operations abroad. The benefits are substantial — but the system is procedurally complex and aggressively contested by carriers.
Who Is Covered
Under 42 U.S.C. §1651, the DBA covers civilians working on US military bases overseas, contractors supporting US government contracts abroad, and employees of public-works projects funded by the US government overseas. That includes translators, security personnel, construction workers, logistics, and IT staff — in war zones and peacetime alike.
30-Day Notice and One-Year Filing Deadline
You must give written notice to your employer within 30 days of the injury, and file a formal claim with the US Department of Labor within one year (two years for occupational diseases like PTSD or hearing loss). The deadlines can be tolled if you didn’t immediately know an injury was work-related — an attorney can preserve your timeline.
DBA Benefits Mirror LHWCA
The DBA incorporates the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, so the benefit structure is similar: uncapped medical care, two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to the federal maximum, permanent impairment compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits including survivor compensation.
PTSD, TBI, and Psychological Injuries
The DBA fully recognizes psychological injuries arising from overseas service — PTSD, anxiety, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Insurance carriers fight these claims hardest, so strong medical documentation and expert support are essential. We’ve handled DBA claims since the early years of the post-9/11 contracting wave.
Third-Party Claims
The DBA is the exclusive remedy against your direct employer, but third-party negligence claims (against subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or other employers on the same site) may be pursued in parallel for full personal injury damages.
Common Defense Base Act Injuries
DBA claims arise wherever US contractors operate overseas. We’ve represented civilian contractors injured by:
- IEDs, mortar attacks, and combat-related blasts — common during the Iraq and Afghanistan deployments and ongoing in active theaters.
- Vehicle accidents — convoys, transport, off-road operations, and roadside attacks.
- Falls from heights at construction sites, base infrastructure, and rooftops.
- Equipment and machinery accidents — generators, vehicles, heavy equipment.
- PTSD and traumatic brain injury from sustained exposure to combat and post-traumatic events.
- Hearing loss and respiratory illness from explosions, gunfire, burn pits, and dust.
- Heatstroke and other environmental injuries in desert deployments.
- Sexual assault and harassment — covered under the DBA when arising from employment.
Each claim type has its own evidence requirements and medical support — we know how to build the record DBA carriers actually take seriously.
Meet the Attorneys Who Will Handle Your Case
Templer & Hirsch has represented injured workers and contractors for over 35 years and recovered more than $100 million for clients. When you call, you talk to an attorney — not a case manager.
- David L. Templer — Founding partner with decades of trial experience handling Defense Base Act, longshore, and complex injury cases.
- Mark Hirsch — Partner concentrating on DBA, longshore, and serious injury claims; known for hands-on client communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is covered by the Defense Base Act?
Civilian employees on US military bases overseas, US government contractors abroad, and certain public-works employees — including translators, security, construction, logistics, and IT staff. 42 U.S.C. §1651.
What injuries does the DBA cover?
Any injury or death arising out of overseas employment — IEDs, vehicle accidents, falls, equipment failures, plus psychological injuries like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and TBI.
How long do I have to file?
30 days written notice to your employer; one year to file the formal claim (two years for occupational diseases or PTSD). Tolling rules can extend the clock if you didn’t immediately know the injury was work-related.
What benefits does the DBA pay?
Uncapped medical care, two-thirds of average weekly wage up to the federal maximum, permanent impairment compensation, vocational rehab, and death benefits to surviving spouses and dependents.
Are PTSD and TBI covered?
Yes — psychological injuries are recognized DBA injuries when linked to overseas employment. These claims often face the toughest carrier resistance, so strong medical documentation matters.
Can I sue the contractor or the US government?
The DBA is the exclusive remedy against your employer. Sovereign immunity usually bars suits against the US government. Third-party negligence claims against subcontractors, equipment makers, or other employers may still be available.
If you or a loved one has been injured, the most important step you can take is to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Call Templer & Hirsch today for a free, confidential consultation — we are ready to help.
