When Should You Call a DBA Attorney?

Posted on Wednesday February 10, 2021

It can be difficult to know whether you need legal assistance after a work-related injury working as a defense contractor. Never hesitate to consult with DBA attorneys at no cost about your rights to benefits for medical care and more. 

When you are working for a private company on military bases or other U.S. property outside of the United States, your rights in the event of an injury can be confusing. You might be aware of protections and benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA), but how can you be sure you will receive benefits? 

You might hear advice to call a DBA attorney for help with your claim, but is it necessary? While some people do have successful DBA claims without legal help, there are many obstacles that you might face that can stand in the way of the benefits you deserve if you do not have the right representation.

If You Receive a Denial

There are many reasons why insurance companies might deny you some or all of the benefits that you deserve. This can occur whether you have a complex claim or a seemingly straightforward claim for a relatively small amount of benefits. 

If you receive a denial, you should never simply give up. Instead, your first call should be to an experienced DBA attorney. An attorney will first determine exactly why your claim was denied. Some reasons might include:

• The insurer claims that your injury was not work-related
• The insurer claims that you had a pre-existing injury that should not be covered
• The insurer challenges the severity of your injuries and whether you needed all the treatment you received or the time off work
• There were procedural errors or a lack of supporting documentation with your claim

Depending on the reasons and the facts of your situation, your lawyer can develop the best appeal strategy. Time is of the essence, as there are deadlines you must meet for your appeal, so it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. They will know how to negotiate with insurers or escalate the matter if needed. 

If You Have a Complicated Claim

You do not have to wait for a denial in order to call a DBA lawyer. If you have a complex claim, you can benefit from having legal assistance from the start of the claims process. This might apply if you:

• Have a catastrophic injury
• Have a pre-existing condition that was worsened at work
• Must take significant time off work
• Are unable to return to your previous job
• Have a claim for death benefits following a fatal accident

In these circumstances, you should reduce the potential challenges and chances of a denial by having a skilled DBA lawyer prepare and negotiate your claim. 

Contact Our DBA Attorneys for Help Right Away

Once you have decided to contact a lawyer, ensure you find the right one for your claim. Look for an attorney with extensive experience handling DBA claims and knowledge of the Defense Base Act. You should look no further than the nationwide DBA attorneys of Mara Law Firm. Contact us online or call (619) 234-2833 to discuss your rights after your workplace injury as soon as possible.