When Maritime Workers Are Injured Outside the United States
Maritime and government contract work often takes people far beyond U.S. waters. Civilian contractors, construction workers, and support personnel frequently work on military bases, government projects, or shipping operations overseas.
When injuries occur in these environments, the legal protections available may differ from standard workers’ compensation or maritime injury laws. In some cases, injured workers may qualify for benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA).
The Defense Base Act is a federal law that extends protections similar to those found in the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act to certain civilian workers outside the United States.
Understanding whether the Defense Base Act applies to your situation can make a major difference in the benefits available after a serious injury.
How the Defense Base Act Relates to Other Maritime Laws
Different laws protect workers depending on where the injury occurs and the type of job being performed. For example:
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Injuries to seamen working on vessels may fall under the Jones Act
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Injuries to maritime workers on docks or near navigable waters may fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
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Injuries to certain civilian contractors working overseas may fall under the Defense Base Act
The Defense Base Act is considered an extension of the Longshore Act. It was created to provide compensation to civilian workers supporting U.S. government operations abroad.
Who Is Covered by the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act applies to many civilian workers employed outside the United States in support of government or military operations. Workers who may be covered include those injured while working on:
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U.S. military bases located overseas
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Foreign territories used for U.S. military operations, such as Guantanamo Bay
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Overseas construction projects funded by the U.S. government
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Government-approved contract work performed outside the country
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Welfare or support services for U.S. troops authorized by the Department of Defense
Coverage may apply even when the injured worker is not directly employed by the military but is working for a government contractor.
Benefits Available Under the Defense Base Act
Workers who qualify for Defense Base Act protection may receive compensation similar to benefits provided under the Longshore Act. These benefits may include:
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Payments equal to two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage during periods of disability
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Coverage for medical treatment related to the injury
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Compensation for partial or permanent disability
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Ongoing payments if the worker cannot return to their previous job
These benefits are intended to provide financial stability for workers recovering from serious injuries sustained while supporting U.S. operations overseas.
Injuries Covered Under the Defense Base Act
Defense Base Act claims often involve accidents that occur in demanding or hazardous environments. Examples of incidents that may fall under the law include:
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Construction accidents on overseas military bases
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Transportation or equipment accidents involving government contractors
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Explosions or equipment failures on overseas projects
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Injuries occurring during maritime or cargo operations supporting military supply chains
Because many of these jobs involve complex working conditions and international locations, determining coverage under the Defense Base Act often requires careful legal review.
Understanding Your Rights After an Overseas Workplace Injury
Maritime and international workplace injury claims often involve federal statutes that differ from traditional workplace injury laws.
Determining whether a worker qualifies under the Jones Act, the Longshore Act, or the Defense Base Act depends on several factors, including:
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The location where the injury occurred
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The type of work being performed
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The worker’s employment status
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Whether the project was connected to U.S. government operations
These details play an important role in determining what benefits may be available after an injury.
As maritime attorney David Anderson explains – We handle most of our cases on a contingency fee basis. This means if we do not win money, we do not charge you. We are based in Boston and New Bedford, MA, but handle maritime injury cases nationwide.
Speak With Latti Associates LLC About a Defense Base Act Claim
Workplace injuries that occur overseas can create serious medical and financial challenges for workers and their families. Federal laws such as the Defense Base Act were created to provide protection and compensation when injuries happen during government-related work abroad.
Latti Associates LLC handles maritime and federal injury claims involving the Jones Act, the Longshore Act, and the Defense Base Act.
If you were injured while working overseas or supporting maritime or government operations, contact Latti Associates LLC to discuss your situation and learn what legal protections may apply to your case.