Does the DBA Cover Cancer Treatment?

Posted on Tuesday January 21, 2020

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is legislation that provides protections for civilian contractors working for the United States government overseas, much like workers’ compensation coverage for domestic workers. DBA coverage should provide compensation for contractors who suffered work-related injuries or illnesses, of which there are many possible conditions sustained in overseas work environments. Some employees might have cancer that could be connected with their job, and it is common to wonder whether the DBA covers cancer treatments.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer after working overseas as a government contractor, you should immediately discuss your rights to compensation with our DBA attorneys. The law is complicated, and your rights are not always clear. The claims process can also be challenging, even if you have a valid claim. Contact our legal team at Mara Law Firm for assistance today.

The Cost of Cancer Treatment

A cancer diagnosis can be devastating and frightening. Many people who learn they have cancer have a long and uncertain road ahead. Treatment can be costly, time-consuming, and can leave you feeling sick and unable to work for weeks or months. There are different treatment paths depending on your diagnosis, and your treatment plan might include one or more of the following:

• Surgery for tumor removal
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

Some drugs involved in chemotherapy cost about $10,000 per drug per month of treatment, and chemo might involve several drugs at once. Some courses of chemo can last for months in addition to surgeries and other treatment. Meanwhile, most patients have a team of oncology specialists whose care costs significantly more than your average physician. It might be necessary to be hospitalized for certain treatments or post-surgery. Even if someone has great health insurance, they can still end up with piles of medical bills that can cause financial stress.

Because the costs of treatment can be so extensive, it is no surprise that people who get cancer from their job environments want to know their rights to DBA benefits. You should always have a lawyer review the circumstances of your diagnosis and help present your claim.

Seeking Benefits

A cancer diagnosis after working overseas is not enough to qualify for DBA benefits to cover your treatment, lost income, and disability. Instead, you must show a direct connection between your work and cancer. This can be a difficult task, as the DBA insurance company will require evidence that your cancer stems from your job.

You want a lawyer who knows the type of evidence an insurer requires, and who will fight for the full benefits you deserve. Even if you are very ill, there is no guarantee that the insurance company will grant your benefits. You need to focus on your recovery and treatment while we focus on your DBA claim.

Consult with an Experienced DBA Attorney as Soon as Possible

If you have been diagnosed with a work-related injury or illness, you should speak to our DBA attorneys at Mara Law Firm. Call 619-762-2949 or contact us online for assistance with your claim today.