DBA Benefits for Job-Related Fractures

Posted on Thursday March 18, 2021

Many people underestimate the cost and pain of fractured bones, which can happen while you are on the job overseas as a U.S. contractor. In this situation, you should learn about possible DBA benefits from a nationwide Defense Base Act lawyer.

Fractures are a common on-the-job injury, and they can happen in many ways when you are working as a defense contractor overseas. Common causes include falls, motor vehicle crashes, machinery and equipment accidents, getting hit by objects, and more. If any of these accidents happen and cause fractures (or other injuries) while working on foreign soil, you should be eligible to receive benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA). 

DBA claims are not always as straightforward as they should be, and complications and roadblocks can arise. If you need assistance, never hesitate to contact nationwide Defense Base Act lawyers at Mara Law Firm for help. 

Also read: Reporting Your Work Injury for Your DBA Claim

Types of Fractures

Not all fractures are created equal, and they can vary in type and severity. Some commonly fractured bones include:

• Transverse – The bone is fractured in a single straight line
• Oblique – The bone fractures in a diagonal line
• Greenstick – The bone partially fractures, but there is not a complete separation
• Spiral – The fracture is in a spiral pattern around the bone
• Compression – The bone gets crushed and flattened
• Segmental – There are two points of fracture and a “floating” piece of bone in the middle
• Comminuted – There are three or more fractures with fragments of bone
• Compound or open – The fractured bone breaks through the skin and is visible through the open wound

All fractures – even the simplest types – need immediate medical attention. Medical professionals will diagnose a fracture through observation, asking questions, and imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. 

Treatment for Fractures

Once you have a diagnosis of a fracture, your treatment plan will depend on your age, overall health, the extent of the injury, and other factors. Some treatment courses could involve one or more of the following:

• Casts or splints to immobilize the bone to promote proper healing and alignment
• Traction, which stretches soft tissue around the bone so the fracture can heal
• Avoiding putting weight on or using the fractured body part
• Pain management medication
• One or more surgical procedures, often to insert hardware to hold the bone in place
• Physical therapy once the healing process has progressed enough

If you have an open or compound fracture, it is an emergency situation, and you need to get immediate medical attention. This type of fracture has a high risk of infection and other complications, and victims need emergency surgery to set the bone, as well as to clean and repair the wound to prevent infections. 

If a fracture does not heal correctly, it can result in the permanent disfigurement of the bone, which can cause chronic pain and problems. Some people might even need to have additional surgery to re-break the bone to allow it another chance to heal properly. 

Learn more: What is DBA Insurance in The U.S.?

Contact Our Nationwide Defense Base Act Lawyers for Help

The treatment and healing process for a fracture can be extensive and costly. You deserve to receive all of the DBA benefits for which you are eligible, including for medical bills and lost income. Mara Law Firm can help, so please call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online to speak with a nationwide defense base act attorney.