Defense Base Act Attorney
Karl F. von Reuter, Attorney at Law, P.A., provides dedicated Defense Base Act representation to injured civilian contractors from an office in Minneapolis, MN. If you were hurt while working overseas under a U.S. government contract, you may have federal rights to medical care, disability pay, and more. Call 612-573-3665 to request a free consultation today.
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal workers' compensation law protecting civilian employees injured while working outside the United States on U.S. military bases or under U.S. government contracts. Karl F. von Reuter, Attorney at Law, P.A., helps those employees navigate this complex federal system and pursue the full benefits they may be owed. Whether you were a security specialist, logistics professional, construction worker, or support staff member deployed abroad, a Defense Base Act Attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for a fair outcome.
What Does the Defense Base Act Cover?
The DBA covers civilian contractors injured or killed while working on a U.S. military base or under a public works or national defense contract outside the United States. It extends protections from the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to an overseas context, making it a federal matter. State workers' compensation rules do not apply. Injured workers often face insurers that delay, dispute, or deny legitimate claims. Consulting a Defense Base Act Attorney early may help level that playing field.
Who Is Eligible for Defense Base Act Benefits?
Eligible individuals may include:
- Construction and infrastructure workers on U.S. military bases abroad.
- Security personnel and private military contractors.
- Logistics, transportation, and supply-chain workers under U.S. government contracts.
- Support staff, including interpreters, mechanics, and medical technicians.
- Employees of subcontractors working under a primary U.S. government contract.
If your employer held a U.S. government contract and you were working outside the United States when hurt, you may qualify regardless of your nationality or where the injury occurred.
Attorney Fees and No Upfront Cost
Karl F. von Reuter, Attorney at Law, P.A., represents DBA clients without requiring upfront payment. Attorney fees in successful cases are subject to approval by the Department of Labor or the court, protecting injured workers from unreasonable charges. Workers who have already suffered financially are not required to pay out of pocket to pursue what they may rightfully be owed. Contact the firm at 612-573-3665 to discuss your situation at no charge.
Attorney Credentials and Experience
Karl F. von Reuter has practiced workers' compensation law exclusively since graduating from law school in 1995. During law school, he clerked at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and served as a law clerk for workers' compensation judges. With more than 30 years focused on injured-worker representation, he brings deep familiarity with federal compensation frameworks, including the DBA and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The firm is also listed on Karl F. von Reuter for verified location and contact details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Deadline to File a Defense Base Act Claim?
The DBA generally requires filing a disability claim within one year of injury. For occupational diseases such as PTSD or respiratory illness, you may have two years from when you first connected the condition to your employment. Missing deadlines can result in loss of disability compensation. Consulting a Defense Base Act Attorney promptly is the most reliable way to protect your timeline.
Can I File a DBA Claim if I Live in Minnesota but Was Injured Abroad?
Yes. The DBA is federal law and applies regardless of where you live. Karl F. von Reuter, Attorney at Law, P.A., serves clients from Minneapolis, MN, and surrounding areas who were injured anywhere in the world under a qualifying U.S. government contract.
What if My DBA Claim Is Denied?
A denial is not the end of your claim. You may request an informal conference with the Department of Labor, and if unresolved, a formal hearing before a federal Administrative Law Judge. Having a Defense Base Act Attorney at these stages may significantly improve your outcome. The firm also handles workers' compensation disputes across federal and state systems.
Does the DBA Cover Mental Health Conditions Like PTSD?
Yes. The DBA can cover occupational diseases, including PTSD and other mental health conditions arising from work in combat zones or high-stress overseas environments. The two-year filing window for occupational diseases starts when you first understood the connection between your condition and your employment.
How Do I Get Started?
Contact Karl F. von Reuter, Attorney at Law, P.A., for a free consultation by phone at 612-573-3665, by email at karl@karlvonreuter.com, or at 120 S 6th St, Suite 2480, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
Talk to a Defense Base Act Attorney Today
If you were injured working abroad under a U.S. government contract, the benefits available under the Defense Base Act may be more extensive than you realize. Karl F. von Reuter, Attorney at Law, P.A., has spent more than 30 years exclusively representing injured workers. Contractors from Minneapolis, MN, and across Minnesota can schedule a free consultation for straightforward answers about their situation. Call 612-573-3665 or schedule a consultation online to pursue the compensation you may be owed.