Documents You Might Need for DBA Claims

Posted on Monday April 20, 2020

If you’re an employee covered by the Defense Base Act (DBA), you might think that benefits should automatically begin if you suffer injuries. However, there is a complex claims process you must follow in order to request and begin receiving your benefits. The slightest mistake can result in delays or even a denial of your benefits. For this reason, it is often wise to seek help from an experienced DBA lawyer from the start of your claim. 

Documentation for Your DBA Claim

You might need to provide significant documentation regarding your injuries and treatment as part of your claim. The DBA insurance company will not simply take your word that you suffered a serious work-related injury – you will need to demonstrate what happened and your resulting injuries through careful documentation. Some documents you certainly want to retain include the following.

• Incident reports – This should be completed as close to the time of your accident and injuries as possible, and it helps show the insurance company the timeline of what happened and the connection between your work and your injuries. 
• Medical records – These records are essential, as they show your specific diagnosis and the treatment recommendations from your doctor. You should then keep records of all the treatment you received, appointments you attended, medications you purchased, and more. 
• Your DBA claim – Always maintain a copy of your original claim you filed so you and your lawyer can reference it during the process. 
• Wage documents – Now that direct deposits are the norm, most people do not receive – and certainly do not generally keep – statements of their wages. If you are injured, however, your wage statements become critical if you need to miss work. You should start gathering records right away that show your recent income, bonuses, and other compensation from your employer. The Human Resources Department should be able to provide these, and they can be used for wage replacement benefit calculations. 
• Communications regarding your claim – Sometimes, disputes can arise regarding your claim, and you want to have records of all communications with your employer and the insurance company. This includes emails, forms, incident reports, notes, and more. 

While you might expect your claim to go smoothly without complications, disputes can arise regarding the cause or severity of your injuries, treatment needed, whether you had to miss work, your average wages, and more. If you have the right documentation to present to support your claim, it can often make the process easier and prevent serious delays. 

Learn more: Common Errors in DBA Claims

Consult with Our DBA Attorneys for Assistance with Your Claim

While you are recovering from an injury, the last thing on your mind might be gathering and retaining all necessary documentation in case you might need it. It is important to have the guidance of skilled DBA attorneys who can advise you on what documents and information will be important to have. You should not hesitate to seek help from the Mara Law Firm if you need to file a DBA claim. Call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online today.