An injury far from home can raise many questions at once, including how to get treatment, how to cover lost income, how to get home, and who to call first. For civilian contractors working on U.S. bases or government contracts abroad, many of those answers fall under the Defense Base Act(DBA), a federal workers’ compensation law administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Knowing the basic steps early can help protect both your health and your claim.

 

Are You Covered?

 

The DBA generally covers civilian employees in four types of overseas work. These include work for private employers on U.S. military bases, public work contracts with a U.S. government agency, contracts approved and funded under the Foreign Assistance Act, and welfare or similar services for the Armed Forces, such as work with the USO. “Public work” isn’t limited to construction and can include service contracts connected to national defense.

 

Coverage also applies regardless of nationality. U.S. citizens, local hires, and third-country nationals working under a covered contract can all be eligible. Assuming citizenship is required is one of the common mistakes that can cost contractors their benefits.

 

Get Medical Attention First

 

Your health comes first. In an emergency, or if you can’t reach your employer, go to the nearest hospital or physician and let your employer know as soon as possible. Otherwise, ask your employer for Form LS-1, which authorizes medical treatment. Under the DBA, you’re entitled to treatment by a physician of your choice.

 

If you need medical transportation or repatriation for care, the Department of Labor notes that this cost is the responsibility of the DBA insurance carrier. Prompt treatment also helps create a medical record of your injury from the start.

 

Report the Injury

 

Notify your supervisor or employer representative right away. Then give written notice on Form LS-201 within 30 days.

 

Your employer has its own obligation as well. If the injury causes you to lose one or more work shifts, your employer must file Form LS-202, the Employer’s First Report of Injury, within 10 days.

 

File Your Claim

 

Notice to your employer and a claim for compensation are two separate steps. The claim is filed with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) on Form LS-203. It’s generally due within one year of the injury or the last compensation payment, whichever is later. If you’re still overseas, the Department of Labor’s Secure Electronic Access Portal (SEAPortal) lets you upload documents electronically.

 

Even with timely paperwork, DBA claims don’t always move smoothly. Issues contractors may run into include delayed first payments, a Notice of Controversion (Form LS-207) disputing the claim, disagreements over medical care, and insurer pushback on what the claim is worth.

 

When to Speak With a Lawyer

 

You can file a DBA claim on your own, but the process is complex. It may help to speak with an attorney if your claim is denied or disputed, if payments are delayed, or if you’re unsure what comes next. Beiser Law Firm works with clients by phone, email, or secure document sharing, wherever they are, and consultations are always free.

 

Request your free consultation through our contact page.