The Lone Star State is home to a significant number of military contractors, more than many other states in the country, making it a hub for Defense Base Act claims. Navigating the federal government and the military’s claims process can feel overwhelming if you or a loved one suffered injuries while working for a U.S. defense contractor overseas. Most claims must comply with the Defense Base Act (DBA), a complex federal law that protects civilian employees working on overseas military bases and under government contracts.
Whether you are a logistics specialist or mechanic supporting defense in another country, a Texas Defense Base Act lawyer can help clarify your rights, ensure your claim is filed properly, and pursue the compensation you are entitled to receive.
How Does the Defense Base Act Work For Texas Residents?
The Defense Base Act is similar to workers’ compensation, but how it applies to Texas residents is quite different. In fact, the DBA applies to all civilian workers employed by private contractors injured while working on U.S. military bases or public works contracts outside the United States. Injuries covered under the DBA may occur in:
- Construction projects
- Active combat zones
- Diplomatic missions
- Humanitarian aid assignments
Commonly, those covered by the DBA include construction workers building military facilities overseas, security contractors protecting government installations, linguists working with U.S. military personnel, and technicians servicing military vehicles and equipment. In these roles, injuries can occur from explosions, gunfire, vehicle accidents, and exposure to chemicals or toxins. Some workers develop long-term psychological conditions, too.
Common Challenges With Defense Base Act Claims
DBA claims are often denied or underpaid in Texas due to lack of documentation, missed deadlines, or disputes over the cause of injury. Employers and insurance carriers often try to argue that the injury was not job-related or that it occurred outside the scope of employment. They may also downplay psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorders, even when symptoms are clearly connected to working conditions.
Texas workers may also face obstacles when trying to return to the United States for treatment or when attempting to receive ongoing care for long-term injuries. These complications highlight the importance of having a skilled personal injury attorney who understands how to navigate legal and logistical barriers. A qualified DBA lawyer can assist with filing initial claims accurately, gathering medical and employment records, appealing denied claims, and pursuing additional third-party claims if another entity is liable for the injury.
Why Work With a Texas-Based DBA Lawyer?
Although the Defense Base Act is a federal law, working with a DBA attorney provides several advantages. Texas is home to thousands of defense contractors and subcontractors working with the Department of Defense. Lawyers familiar with both Texas employment law and federal DBA statutes can help bridge the gap for injured workers who live in the state but were injured abroad. Additionally, local representation allows for more accessible communication and support throughout the claims process.
A DBA lawyer can guide the injured employee through the administrative process, gather evidence, work with medical professionals, and represent them before the Department of Labor or administrative law judges.
Speak with a Defense Base Act Lawyer in Texas Today
When you are serving your country abroad and are injured, you deserve that U.S. law serve you, too. Whether the injury you experienced is psychological, physical, or both, Texas civilian employees working overseas have legal rights that deserve protection, but getting help and seeking full and fair compensation after a workplace accident or injury can feel exhausting.
Contact a Texas Defense Base Act lawyer right away to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal rights. We can guide you through the claims process and fight for the justice you deserve.
