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If you suffered injuries on the job as a civilian contractor working for U.S. defense overseas, you might know the Defense Base Act (DBA) should provide benefits. However, knowing your rights and actually receiving benefits are two very different things. The first thing you should do is discuss what happened with a Defense Base Act attorney who can provide assistance.
Below are some examples of what to do before filing a successful DBA claim, though this blog cannot replace the advice of an experienced legal professional who knows the details of your case.
You should submit a written report of the accident to your supervisor, which includes detailing what happened to cause your injuries on the job. You should include all the injuries you suffered, even if some seem minor at the time. This includes psychological injuries, such as PTSD, in addition to your physical wounds.
Your employer should be able to direct you to where you can get the medical treatment you need for your injuries. This should be true no matter what country you are working in. If there is a medic at your job site (such as on base), you should immediately get a full evaluation and diagnosis of all your injuries. In some instances, you might need a medical evacuation, and you should be evacuated if necessary. Do not wait for your next R&R to get treatment at home if your injuries are too serious.
Whether you stay on base or are evacuated, make sure you continue your treatment. Make sure you have all medical records of your diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Know that you can choose your own medical provider for your care. Do not let your employer or a Defense Base Act insurance company bully you into seeing a doctor they choose.
If you are being evacuated, your employer might suggest that you terminate your employment. You do not have to do this, as you should be sent home on a medical leave of absence. Do not sign anything that indicates you are quitting your job.
Even if your employer seems helpful and cooperative regarding your injuries and medical care, it does not mean the DBA insurance company will do the same. Insurers are always challenging claims to ensure they do not pay out any unnecessary benefits. This often leads to challenges for injured claimants when they are already stressed and dealing with serious injuries.
A DBA lawyer can review your work-related injuries and help you file the strongest possible claim. This involves providing all necessary evidence of your injuries and that they stemmed from your employment. We can identify any tricks the insurance company uses to reduce or deny your benefits. If your claim is denied, we can handle the appeal process.
Call a Defense Base Act attorney from Mara Law Firm at (619) 234-2833 or contact us online today.
If you are in need of employment litigation attorney in California or have been injured overseas while under a military contract and are in need of a defense base act attorney. Please fill out the form below and contact us immediately for a FREE consultation.
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