Filing Your DBA Case
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law that provides workers’ compensation coverage for civilian employees working on U.S. military bases overseas and under government contracts in the event they are injured or killed in the course of their employment.
KBR, FLUOR Corporation, DynCorp, Vectrus and Labor Support Services are among the companies that have contracted with the United States to provide services in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If you are employed by one of these contractors and are injured while working on a U.S. military base or under a government contract, you may be eligible for benefits under the DBA.
The Process of Filing a DBA Claim
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Navigating Your DBA Case: A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Benefits
Filing a successful case can be the difference between financial hardship and receiving the compensation you deserve after an injury on a U.S. military base or government contract overseas. The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides critical workers’ compensation for civilian contractors, but the process is filled with strict deadlines and complex rules. This guide walks you through every stage of a case, highlights common pitfalls, and explains why professional legal help is essential.
Contact DBA Injury today to start your DBA case with confidence.
How to File a DBA Case: The Essential Steps
Starting your case correctly sets the foundation for approval. Miss a step, and your claim could be delayed or denied.
Step 1: Notify Your Employer Within 30 Days
The moment you’re injured—whether from a traumatic event or cumulative exposure—you must notify your employer within 30 days. This triggers their obligation to report the injury to their DBA insurance carrier, who then informs the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).
Step 2: Submit Form LS-203 to OWCP
After employer notification, complete the LS-203.
- Include detailed descriptions of the incident(s)
- List medical treatment
- Attach supporting documents (medical records, incident reports)
Download a sample 203 form at the DOL Website.
Pitfalls to Avoid in Your DBA Case
Even small mistakes can derail a case. Here are the top three errors contractors make:
1. Waiting Too Long to Report
Exceeding the 30-day notification window gives employers and insurers grounds to deny your case outright. Psychological injuries like PTSD often have delayed symptoms—don’t let that become an excuse for inaction.
2. Filing Without Legal Help
The DBA claims process involves federal regulations, medical causation disputes, and appeals before administrative law judges. Attempting to handle your case solo dramatically increases denial risk.
3. Accepting Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance carriers routinely undervalue claims. The first offer in your DBA case is rarely fair. Without negotiation, you could leave hundreds of thousands on the table.
Avoid these mistakes—schedule a free case review at dbainjury.com
How a DBA Attorney Maximizes Your Case Outcome
The DBA is a labyrinth of rules only experienced attorneys navigate successfully. Here’s how Javier Ruiz, Esq. strengthens your case:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We determine DBA eligibility by analyzing contracts, deployment records, and injury circumstances.
Aggressive Representation
We handle OWCP hearings, appeals, and settlement negotiations—fighting insurers from KBR, FLUOR, DynCorp, Vectrus, and Labor Support Services.
Proven Results Across Nationalities
Attorney Javier Ruiz has secured millions for contractors from India, Kosovo, Macedonia, the USA, Bosnia, and the Philippines who worked in Iraq and Afghanistan.
See our case results at dbainjury.com
Real DBA Case Success Stories
- Filipino HVAC Tech, Vectrus (Afghanistan): Recovered $450,000 after burn pit exposure caused lung damage.
- Indian Laborer, KBR (Iraq): Won $380,000 for PTSD following rocket attacks.
- Bosnian Cook, FLUOR (Kuwait): Secured lifetime medical benefits for a back injury.
These aren’t exceptions—they’re the standard when you have the right team behind your case.
Don’t Leave Your Benefits to Chance
If you were injured while supporting U.S. operations overseas—whether in combat zones or base support roles—DBA Injury has the expertise to win your case.
We’ve recovered millions in benefits for hundreds of contractors.
