If you’re a civilian injured while working on a U.S. military base or under a government contract overseas, you may be entitled to compensation under a powerful federal law: the Defense Base Act (DBA).
At the Bershtein Law Center, based in Hamden, Connecticut, we help injured overseas contractors, interpreters, and support personnel file successful DBA claims and recover the benefits they deserve. Whether you live in New Haven, Hartford, Stamford, or anywhere in Connecticut, our firm is here to help you every step of the way.
The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation law that provides benefits to civilian employees working outside the United States under U.S. government contracts. It extends the protections of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) to overseas employees.
You may be covered by the DBA if you were injured while:
Working for a U.S. defense contractor on a military base overseas
Supporting a U.S. government-funded project abroad (construction, security, logistics)
Employed by an NGO or subcontractor under a federal contract
Working on a public works or foreign aid project funded by the U.S.
You may qualify for DBA coverage if you worked for major defense contractors such as:
KBR (Kellogg Brown & Root)
DynCorp International
Fluor Corporation
Vinnell-Brown & Root
Triple Canopy / Constellis
PAE / Amentum
From Iraq and Afghanistan to Africa or Southeast Asia, thousands of civilians from Connecticut have served overseas—and deserve protection when they’re hurt.
We represent clients who have suffered:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Back, neck, or spinal injuries
Gunshot or shrapnel wounds
PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions
Burn injuries from IEDs or explosions
Respiratory illness from environmental exposure
Vehicle accident injuries while in convoys or on duty
The DBA also covers cumulative injuries and occupational illnesses—even if symptoms develop after you return home.
Under the Defense Base Act, you may be entitled to:
Full payment for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury—without copays or deductibles.
If you cannot work due to your injury, you may receive:
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Benefits are typically paid at two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
If a loved one dies while working under a government contract, surviving family members may receive death benefits and funeral expenses.
Although the DBA provides strong protections, insurance companies often delay, deny, or minimize claims—especially for psychological injuries like PTSD.
At the Bershtein Law Center, we have extensive experience handling complex federal compensation cases. We know how to:
Properly file and document your DBA claim
Navigate Department of Labor procedures
Challenge unjust claim denials or benefit reductions
Represent you in hearings and appeals
When you work with us, you get personalized, aggressive representation from a firm that understands the system—and how to protect your rights.
To preserve your rights under the DBA:
Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible
File a formal claim (Form LS-203) within 1 year of your injury or the last compensation payment
For PTSD or mental health claims, the timeline begins when you become aware of the injury and its connection to your work
Delays can cost you your benefits. Let us help you act quickly and correctly.
At the Bershtein Law Center, we’re proud to represent Connecticut-based contractors, veterans, and civilian workers who’ve served in high-risk roles abroad. Whether you're in New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, or anywhere in the state, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
📍 Conveniently located in Hamden, CT
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