DBA Claims for TBIs

Posted on Thursday April 02, 2020

People who work as private defense contractors for the government overseas are covered by the Defense Base Act (DBA) should they suffer injuries or illness on the job. The DBA should cover all types of work-related injuries and conditions, whether they are relatively minor or severe. One injury that can often lead to a complex DBA claim process is a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBI Overview

Traumatic brain injuries involve damage to the brain tissue when the brain hits the inside of the skull. This can occur from direct trauma to the head or due to a sudden jolt of the head. There are many possible causes of TBIs on the job, such as:

• Falls from high places
• Slip and falls
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Explosions
• Getting struck by an object
• Heavy equipment accidents
• Assaults

If you are involved in an accident, you should always be aware of the signs of a possible TBI. In the case of a moderate or severe brain injury, a person is generally unconscious for a period of time, so it will be obvious that they need emergency medical attention. However, mild TBIs have less obvious symptoms, and many people feel disoriented or confused, and might have a headache following the injury.

It is important to get all TBIs properly diagnosed, even “mild” ones like concussions. All brain injuries can be serious and require proper monitoring and treatment to prevent complications and minimize the lasting effects. A DBA claim should result in benefits that cover your medical expenses.

Possible Effects of Serious Brain Injuries

A concussion might have inconvenient symptoms for a few days or weeks, though the effects of a moderate to severe TBI can persist much longer. Moderate TBIs might disrupt your life for many months or even more than a year, while a severe TBI might cause permanent impairment. These effects can greatly affect your ability to work and live your everyday life. 

The effects of a TBI are different from patient to patient, as different parts of the brain might be injured, impacting different abilities. Some impairments that might result from a brain injury include the following:

• Difficulty with information processing, including understanding and following directions
• Struggles with either or both verbal and written communication, including holding a conversation, finding words, reading, and writing
• Lack of coordination or balance, which can affect movement abilities
• Slurred speech
• Lack of emotional control, which can lead to mood swings or inappropriate behavior

Even with rehabilitative therapy, many of these effects can persist for people with severe TBIs. These effects can make it difficult to return to your previous job – or even to work at all. It is important that you ensure you get the full disability benefits you deserve from your DBA claim.

Learn How Our Nationwide DBA Attorneys Can Protect Your Rights

Insurance companies often challenge the effects and limitations of a TBI, especially since it is a varying and “invisible” injury. You want a DBA lawyer from the Mara Law Firm fighting for your benefits. Call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online for a free consultation today.