Do You Need a Lawyer for a Defense Base Act Claim?

Posted on Tuesday March 31, 2020

If you are covered by the Defense Base Act (DBA) and sustain injuries or illness on the job overseas, you might assume that you have a fairly clear case for obtaining benefits and compensation as the law provides. Unfortunately, many people have their claims delayed or denied, or they are offered fewer benefits than they deserve. This is often because they tried to handle the claim themselves, assuming they did not need the assistance of a DBA lawyer.

DBA claims are costly for insurers, so they try to limit payments when they can. Injured claimants do not always realize this, and it is all too easy to assume that the benefits offered are as good an offer as you will get. On the other hand, an experienced DBA attorney can recognize an insurance company’s tactics to limit or deny claims from a mile away, and we can fight for the full benefits each of our clients deserves. 

The Benefits of Having a DBA Attorney on Your Side

The process for Defense Base Act claims can be a long one. It can involve gathering and presenting many records and documents, submitting them to the insurer according to deadlines, communicating with adjusters, and much more. This can be overwhelming even for people who are not dealing with serious injuries and medical treatment. Missing deadlines or failing to provide necessary documents due to your injuries can only put your claim in more jeopardy. 

Having an attorney you can trust to guide you through the entire process is critical, so you do not miss anything important. The following are only some of the ways a DBA lawyer can assist you:

• Thoroughly evaluate your situation to ensure you present the strongest claim possible
• Make sure your claim is properly prepared and filed correctly and on time
• Handle all communications with the insurance company and provide any supplemental documentation needed
• Identify when a settlement offer is too low and ensure that you are not wrongfully pressured to accept less than you deserve
• Negotiate to obtain maximum benefits possible in your case
• Ensure that if the insurance company or your employer challenge the claim, you do not have to pay anything back

In short, a knowledgeable DBA lawyer will protect your rights to the benefits you deserve under the law, which you cannot count on an insurance company to do.

If you do try to handle the process without representation and you receive a denial, it is imperative that you then contact a law firm immediately. Appealing denials can be challenging, though a DBA lawyer will know how to approach the matter to protect your rights. 

Contact Our Nationwide DBA Attorneys for Help Today

After a job-related injury overseas, the last thing you need is to have your benefits delayed or have an insurance company give you the run-around. Instead, call the nationwide DBA attorneys at Mara Law Firm for assistance. Call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online to discuss how we can help with your claim.