All nationalities are covered under the Defense Base Act (DBA). Regardless of nationality, if you work under any Department of Defense or Department of State contract or subcontract, you might be covered under DBA insurance. Ask your employer about your rights and potential benefits when you are deployed overseas.
The Defense Base Act provides medical treatment, death benefits, and compensation to civilian contractors working for the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in war zones and danger zones around the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan. If a family member, loved one, relative, or anybody you know dies while working in a dangerous zone, they may have been a civilian contractor working for a U.S. government subcontractor, making them eligible for benefits.
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THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS
Often, Third Country Nationals—men and women from third-world countries—work as cheap labor on or near U.S. military bases in danger and war zones. They may be skilled or unskilled labor from Turkey, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Phnom Penh, Asia, South America, or Central America. These employees are people who are trying to make a living for their family. They go overseas to work and send the money home to their families.
The employers of Third Country Nationals are U.S. Department of Defense contractors and sub-contractors from the Middle East, Russia, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America & the United States. The U.S. DoD pays the employers—DoD contractors and subcontractors. Employees of these contractors and subcontractors, including Third Country Nationals, are covered by the Defense Base Act.
When Third Country Nationals die, become severely sick, or are injured working dangerous DoD contractor and subcontractor jobs they are potentially able to receive benefits under the Defense Base Act. Spouses and children are eligible for benefits when a father or mother dies working for the U.S. Government in a danger zone.
Often, employers send Third Country Nationals home without explaining that they have rights to medical care, benefits, and compensation. Many people do not know that they are eligible for medical care, compensation, or death benefits. As a result, they do not receive proper medical care or benefits. Sometimes employers know and sometimes they don’t know.
Ask your employer about your insurance and DBA rights and benefits when you go overseas for work on a U.S. government job. You can also watch Brian’s Video to know more about your rights.
If you are injured on duty and even before you are deployed overseas, you can always contact Garfinkel Schwartz Law- Firm and send us your questions. Please call our 24/7 number (+1) 800-393-2999. We will get back to you as soon as possible.