CAN YOU HANDLE
YOUR OWN DBA
INSURANCE CLAIM?

NATIONWIDE  Can You Handle Your Own DBA Insurance Claim?

Did you suffer injuries while working overseas as a U.S. defense contractor? If so, you probably know that the Defense Base Act (DBA) provides benefits to workers like you, just as state workers’ compensation laws cover domestic workers. In order to receive these benefits, however, you need to file a claim with a DBA insurer – just like you would need to pursue any other type of insurance claim. Also, like any other insurance claim, you can encounter many obstacles along the way, and you should never hesitate to seek help from a DBA lawyer. 

You Have the Right to File Your Own Claim – But Should You?

There is nothing that says you can’t file your own DBA insurance claim, as everyone has the right to do so without legal representation. That said, DBA insurance companies never make the process easy, especially when a claimant is unrepresented. Insurance companies will know this immediately, and they know how to take advantage of unrepresented claimants, even if they have valid claims. 

DBA Insurance adjusters might:

1. Challenge the cause of your injury or illness and claim it was not work-related and should not be covered
2. State that your benefits should be limited because of a pre-existing condition
3. Question whether you needed all the medical treatment you received to try to avoid coverage of certain medical bills.
4. Claim that your injuries should not have kept you out of work or that you should be able to return to work sooner than planned to avoid covering lost income.
5. Making excessive requests for evidence and documentation to support your claim.
6. Requiring a medical exam by a doctor chosen by the DBA insurance company and who will weigh in favor of the insurance company
7. Make a lump-sum settlement offer that is far less than you deserve (though you might not realize it)

Communication with the DBA insurance company can be stressful and time-consuming, and this is the last thing you are equipped to deal with while you are already dealing with your injuries. Further, insurance companies assume that you do not know how the process works, so they will try to minimize your benefits or deny a valid claim altogether. The adjusters hope that you will accept inadequate benefits or will fail to appeal a denial due to unfamiliarity with the process and your rights.

Instead of taking the time and energy to pursue a DBA claim yourself – and risk facing hurdles – you should let an experienced legal team handle every step of the claim process for you. We know how DBA insurance companies work, and these insurers know that our attorneys will not back down. We can evaluate your situation and advise you how we can assist you.

Speak with a Defense Base Act Insurance Attorney Today

Contact us today. Consultations with the team at Mara Law Firm are free, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to learn how we can help you with your claim. Contact us and start the process of standing up for the benefits you deserve under the DBA.