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Detailing the Defense Base Act

On Behalf of | Dec 21, 2018 | Longshore Act

No one in Manhattan ever anticipates getting injured when they go into work. There may be certain professions, however, where exposure to certain risks is inherent. If you work on a U.S. military installation (or are contracted with the U.S. government to provide work related to national defense), there may be a chance that your work might (at times) involve danger. If and when such danger results in an injury, who is going to help cover your expenses? Many come to see us here at Tabak Mellusi & Shisha LLP with this very question, and are often surprised by our answer. 

Injuries suffered on military bases or while employed in the national defense of the U.S. are actually covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act. An extension was added to the act in 1941 known as “the Defense Base Act.” It extends the same protections afforded by the Longhshore Act, and is also regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor. According to the DOL, to be covered under the Defense Base Act, your job must fit into one of the following categories: 

  • A private employee working on a U.S. military base or installation outside of the U.S. (including any U.S. territories or possessions)
  • A public works provider (including work done in connection with national defense or war-related activities outside of the U.S.) contracted with any U.S. government agency
  • A private employee working outside the U.S. fulfilling a federally funded contract for the sale of military equipment to U.S. allies
  • A private employee working outside the U.S. for a company providing services to benefit the U.S. military 

You can learn more about the many other benefits provided by the Longshore Act be continuing to explore our site.