DBA Claims for Burn Injuries

Posted on Monday May 03, 2021

Burns can happen in many ways while working for the U.S. overseas in defense operations. You want the help of DBA attorneys to make sure that you receive all of the benefits you deserve for medical care, lost wages, and more. 

Serious burns are common in military operations, both combat and non-combat related. Active military members are not the only ones who suffer burns, as these injuries are also common among defense contractors working overseas for the U.S. government. These individuals might work on construction sites or other defense-related projects, and burns can happen for many reasons. 

Treatment for serious burn injuries can be lengthy, painful, and costly. Many victims also have permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disabilities from their burns. The Defense Base Act (DBA) is in place to provide benefits to defense workers injured while working overseas, though getting the benefits you deserve is not always easy. Never hesitate to contact experienced DBA attorneys for assistance. 

Treatment for Burn Injuries

First-degree burns only damage the top layers of skin (the epidermis), and they can generally be treated with first aid. However, if there are any signs of infection, you should seek medical treatment right away. Second-degree burns, which are also called partial thickness burns, damage both the epidermis and the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. These burns can appear wet and result in painful blisters. If you suffer a large second-degree burn, it is wise to seek medical attention right away. 

Third-degree burns damage all layers of your skin and possibly soft tissue or bone underneath. These are always emergency situations, and you need medical help immediately. Many people need:

1. Monitoring and prevention of complications of dehydration, infection, or sepsis
2. Admission to a burn center or unit
3. Professional wound cleaning and dressing
4. Skin grafts – often multiple procedures
5. Amputations of digits or extremities that cannot be saved

Even with extensive and painful treatments for months, victims of serious burns are often left with permanent disfigurement, and they might have impairments due to damaged tissue. 

Causes of Burn Injuries

Defense workers can suffer serious burns in many ways while working, including:

1. Electrical accidents
2. Waste burning
3. Explosions
4. Contact with gasoline or other toxic substances
5. Handling ammunition
6. Friction burns

If your burn was job-related, no matter how it happened, you should be eligible for DBA benefits. 

Seeking the DBA Benefits You Deserve

Seeking benefits under the DBA is similar to seeking workers’ compensation benefits while working domestically. Unfortunately, the same challenges can exist as those that arise in many workers’ compensation claims. As part of your claim, you must show that:

• Your accident was job-related
• Your injuries resulted from the accident in question
• You needed all the medical treatment you received
• You needed all the time off work that you took
• You have disabilities that continue to prevent you from working (if applicable)

You can expect the insurance company to challenge your claim and try to minimize your benefits. It can be highly beneficial to have the help of DBA attorneys who will defend your right to full financial protection.

Contact Our DBA Attorneys Handling Cases Nationwide

At Mara Law Firm, we represent individuals injured in many ways while working overseas. Call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online to learn how our DBA attorneys help injured defense contractors.