Defense Base Act Coverage of Back Injuries

Posted on Wednesday December 23, 2020

There are many ways you can suffer back injuries on the job, and it is important to know your rights to benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA) if you need medical care for a back condition. Learn how experienced DBA lawyers can help.

When you are working on a defense base overseas as a civilian, it is natural for you and your family members to fear that you will be injured. Your family might imagine enemy attacks or explosions being the cause of the injury, but in reality, there are many less dramatic ways that defense workers can suffer injuries – just like any other type of on-the-job injury. Back injuries can be particularly common, and though they might seem less serious, this type of condition can wreak havoc on your life in many ways.

If you suffered a back injury on the job overseas as a defense contractor, you should understand what your coverage under the Defense Base Act (DBA) will entail. These claims can be complicated when they involve back injuries, so it is important to discuss your rights with a DBA lawyer who can help navigate the process. 

Recovering Benefits for Back Injuries

There are many ways that defense workers can injure their backs, including: 

1. Lifting something too heavy
2. Falling
3. Getting hit by something
4. Vehicle crashes
5. Strain due to repetitive motions

These causes can result in many kinds of back conditions, including soft tissue injuries, spine and disc problems, dislocations, and more. If you suffer an acute back injury or one develops over time and causes pain, you should report the matter to your employer and seek medical help right away. 

Medical care for back injuries can be costly, as it often takes weeks or months to treat such an injury. In the meantime, you might be out of work, as many back injuries severely limit your movement abilities. DBA benefits should include:

1. Medical costs, including emergency and diagnostic treatment, imaging tests, specialist appointments, surgery, rehabilitative therapy, and more
2. Lost wages from missing work due to your back injury

These benefits enable you to take it easy and recover from your injury without significant financial stress. 

Common Challenges for Workers with Back Injuries

While DBA benefits are critical for workers with back injuries, many people face obstacles with their back injury claims. Some common issues might include:

1. The insurance company claims your injury happened due to out-of-work activities
2. The insurance company challenges the need for all the treatment you received
3. The insurance company claims you should be able to return to work before you are ready

If you run into any of these challenges in getting your benefits, your first call should be to DBA lawyers who can handle the insurance company for you. 

Contact Our DBA Lawyers for Help

While some DBA claims go smoothly, other claimants run into obstacles, including delays, denials, or the early termination of benefits. Whether you suffered a back injury or any other type of work-related injury overseas, the legal team of Mara Law Firm is ready to help. Call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online for a free case evaluation and discussion today.