Defense Base Act
The Defense Base Act covers all civilian employees who are injured abroad while working under contract by the U.S. government. Since 1942, the Defense Base Act has been a federal mandate requiring employers of citizens working under U.S. government contracts abroad to provide workers compensation. Since its inception, the Act has had two important amendments:
1953: The Defense Base Act was expanded to cover any contract work that could be classified under “national defense.”
1958: The Defense Base Act was again expanded to provide coverage for morale organizations, like the USO, and includes coverage for non-U.S. citizens under U.S. contract.
In the past decade, this Act has become much more prevalent than before. According to a 2010 report to Congress, the number of Defense Base Act claims increased six times between 2004 and 2007 alone. As the U.S. engaged in military action in the Middle East, thousands of people have been hired to work on U.S. projects in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries in the war torn region. There are also workers at U.S. military facilities in other parts of the world, ranging from London to Okinawa.
Lueder, Larkin & Hunter is highly experienced in representing employers in all types of workers’ compensation claims. We look forward to working with you.
