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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. 

1. Report the Accident Right Away

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. 

2. Get the Medical Treatment You Need

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.

3. Never Agree to Resign

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. 

4. Contact an Experienced Defense Base Act Attorney

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. 

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  • I remember screaming at a dear friend of mine saying, “WHY WON’T THE INSURANCE COVER MY TREATMENT!” He said, “…because they know if they do it will increase your settlement.” I said, “WHAT SETTLEMENT! I JUST WANT TO GET TREATMENT! I DIDN’T ASK FOR A SETTLEMENT!” Somewhere I found out that for some insurance companies they are more concerned with protecting their money. This means you are thinking about treatment and getting better while they are thinking about money. Get someone that is on your side that will fight for you. They fought for me…and won.

    Mara Law Firm ClientSan Francisco

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    ScottSan Francisco

  • I would definitely recommend David and really appreciated all the hard work he contributed. David really went the extra mile to help his customers. We were very happy and satisfied with his services. Thank you David!

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  • Mr. Mara was a pleasure to work with. He kept me in the loop. Can’t say enough how good it feels to have someone fighting for you, giving you a voice.

    AlbertSan Francisco

  • I was blown away by the results my case got. It far exceeded my expectations. Not only do you get someone who is a great professional; but he will fight for what you deserve. I was uncertain in the beginning; now I’m a believer. Mr. Mara is also personable. Lisa his paralegal was tremendous throughout the whole process. She would keep me updated on the whole process. Don’t cheat yourself by using anyone else; you will be taken care of the right way if you choose Dave

    Jerome HarrisSan Francisco

  • Mr. Mara and his firm helped me file a claim for death benefits on behalf of my late husband. I was very pleased with his knowledge, research, and representation regarding my DBA claim for death benefits. I would absolutely recommend him and its associates to my friends, family, and others needing an attorney who specializes in employment, personal injury, and death benefits. Mr. Mara was very compassionate, timely, and responsive to my family’s needs. I can’t thank him enough.

    Sally A ChandSan Francisco

  • Dave Mara did an outstanding job on my DBA case. Dave, I personally want to thank you for guiding me in the right direction and having a successful case outcome. God bless you for all the effort you put into my DBA case. Words can’t describe how thankful I am. Thank you for helping injured overseas contractors.

    Jim Joned San Francisco

  • Mr. Mara and his staff were very professional and I would highly recommend Mr. Mara. Mr. Mara had my best interests in settling my case and I am very appreciative of all he and his staff did for me. If I ever needed help or had simple questions, Mr. Mara and his staff were always available to take my calls and help me. Highly recommend this firm!

    DebSan Francisco

  • Dave Mara comes with a very high recommendation. He took a workman’s compensation case for me and really handled it well. It was an unclear case and a new issue that the WC most likely had never seen. He kept me up to date with the long confusing process and was very understanding and sympathetic to my plight( I was the victim of a violent crime). Dave has no big lawyer shenanigans and dramatic posing, he is a down-to-earth, fair, honest hard working lawyer who really does not seem like an an attorney at all. I recommend anyone in the SD area to consult with Dave it was a painless process.

    Linda DSan Francisco

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