PTSD is a common condition among government contractors and employees overseas. Post-traumatic stress disorder can seriously affect how some people relate to others personally and professionally.

To understand how you can get compensation for a PTSD-based legal claim, it helps to learn more about PTSD and how the Defense Base Act (DBA) covers civilian workers who are government contractors based overseas. Speak with a DBA attorney about your options today.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered by a traumatic episode in a person’s life. It is a common condition in people who return home from military service and who have experienced shock or trauma. However, it’s been found that PTSD affects U.S. government contractors who are injured or experience trauma while serving in conflict zones overseas.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Flashbacks
• Insomnia
• Breakdowns in relationships
• Substance abuse 
• Depression

In some instances, patients find it difficult to take part in daily tasks or hold a job for any length of time. 

The Defense Base Act (DBA)

The Defense Base Act (DBA) protects people who work overseas who suffer an illness or injuries while performing their civilian duties as government contractors. 

These benefits are not available to soldiers who are on the payroll of the U.S. government. The idea of the DBA claims process is to cover workers who are on contract with the federal government and who are working outside the U.S.

DBA protection provides medical and death benefits, including disability. The protection extends to employees injured or killed during their time of employment, whether or not their injury or death occurred during or after work.

Obtaining PTSD Compensation Through a DBA Claim

The emotional and psychological toll of working in high-conflict areas intensifies the risk of developing PTSD.

The following information shows how the DBA claims process works for PTSD:

Understand your eligibility under the Defense Base Act

Before pursuing any claim under the DBA, you must first determine if you are eligible for benefits. Coverage under this federal workers’ compensation program is provided to civilian employees involved in public work projects on foreign military bases or who have U.S. government procurement contracts overseas.

Seek professional medical assistance

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can have long-lasting repercussions on one’s personal and professional life. If you suspect that you have developed PTSD due to your work-related experiences, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately to receive a diagnosis and begin treatment.

Document your symptoms and treatment

Maintaining thorough records of your symptoms, medical evaluations, and treatments can significantly strengthen your DBA claim for compensation for PTSD. Therefore, make sure to create an organized system to log all relevant details, such as doctor’s appointments, medication regimens, and therapy sessions.

Consult with a DBA attorney

Filing a Defense Base Act claim can be discouraging and complex due to the legal intricacies surrounding PTSD cases. 

To guarantee you receive the full range of benefits permitted under the law, it’s best to seek the guidance of an experienced DBA attorney – a legal professional who specializes in managing PTSD-related claims.

File your claim in a timely manner

When pursuing a DBA claim for PTSD, time is of the essence. Claims generally must be filed within one year from the date the contractor became aware that their condition resulted from their work assignment. 

Delaying the submission of your claim can jeopardize your entitlement to compensation. That’s why it’s important to consult with a DBA attorney ASAP. Doing so will ensure that your claim is properly and promptly submitted.

Be prepared for potential challenges

Securing compensation for PTSD through a Defense Base Act claim is a challenging endeavor, given the potential stigma and misunderstandings surrounding mental health disorders. 

However, with the right documentation, professional support, and determination, it’s highly possible to succeed at obtaining financial compensation for PTSD.

Talk to a DBA Claims Lawyer Now

Getting compensation for PTSD under the Defense Base Act requires a comprehensive understanding of the eligibility criteria, adherence to strict timelines, and unwavering persistence throughout the proceedings.

Enlisting the assistance of a qualified DBA attorney will ensure that you receive the full range of benefits available – benefits that will alleviate some of the burdens associated with the claims process.

Speak to Mara Law now if you suffered an illness or injuries in the service of the U.S. government on foreign soil. A DBA lawyer knows how insurance firms handle these cases and can help you receive total and fair compensation.