DBA Claim for Psychological Injuries

Posted on Friday October 23, 2020

If you suffered psychological injuries from working as a defense contractor overseas, you should seek legal help with filing your claim for Defense Base Act (DBA) benefits. These claims can be complicated, but the right DMA attorneys can help. 

Civil defense contractors for the United States who work on military bases and in other foreign locations around the world are often susceptible to psychological injuries stemming from their work. Some contractors might witness bombings or other violence or might even be the victims of crimes. These events can be traumatic and can lead to psychological harm that requires treatment and possibly a change in career path. 

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides benefits for overseas civilian contractors who suffer injuries on the job. While you might first think about physical injuries, it is important to remember that psychological injuries are very real and also common in this type of job. DBA claims for psychological injuries can be particularly complicated, so you want to discuss your situation with experienced DBA attorneys right away. 

Possible Effects of Psychological Injuries

It is important not to ignore the symptoms of a psychological injury, and if you notice any symptoms of such injuries, you should seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible. Some common effects of psychological conditions include the following:

• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Vivid nightmares or flashbacks to a traumatic event
• Withdrawing socially
• Irritability, anger, aggressiveness, or rage
• Getting easily startled
• Reckless behavior and lack of judgment
• Irrational fears or phobias
• Distraction and difficulty focusing

All of these symptoms can significantly impact your life and hold you back from your work and regular activities. It often requires extensive therapy, medication, and other treatment to manage and/or overcome these issues so you can live a healthy life. 

Seeking DBA Benefits

The DBA covers psychological injuries as well as physical injuries, and the following are some examples of conditions that can be covered, so long as you can show they are work-related:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – This condition develops after experiencing a traumatic event, such as a personal assault, terrorist attack, or other combat. 
• Anxiety – Anxiety disorders can develop as a result of your surrounding as a defense contractor, and such anxiety can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities without medication and therapy.
• Depression – Depression can develop as a result of trauma, but also from being away from home for long periods of time, often in bleak or war-torn areas. There are ways to manage symptoms of depression, though it can turn into a chronic condition. 

If your psychological injury is job-related, DBA benefits should cover all the costs of your psychological or psychiatric treatment, as well as medications you need and lost wages from missing work. 

Learn How Our Experienced DBA Attorneys Can Help

If you believe that you might have a psychological injury from your work as a civil contractor, the DBA attorneys from Mara Law Firm are ready to help with the claim process. Call (619) 234-2833 to contact us online for more information.