DBA Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices to Maximize Your Benefits

Benefits of the Defense Base Act

To understand how to maximize your benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA), it’s important to have a working understanding of the benefits available. Some major benefits guaranteed under the DBA include but are not limited to, (1) medical treatment by a physician of choice, (2) payment of lost wages for time out of work, (3) lifetime disability and/or partial disability/compensation for qualifying claimants, (4) payment for scheduled injuries, (5) vocational and rehabilitation services, and (6) death benefits. Such protections for workers are integral and can make a world of difference for claimants and their families.

Best Practices for DBA Claimants

When filing a DBA claim, it’s vital to keep the following things in mind to maximize your chance of success. Immediately report your injury to your supervisor in writing. This begins establishing a record of your injury at work. Seek medical care as soon as possible. Seeking medical attention will not only help you recover faster but also document the extent of your injuries, which is crucial when filing a claim, even further establishing your injury. Remember to document every part of the process, saving all relevant information. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, communication with your employer, the insurance company, and your attorney regarding your claim, and any expenses you incur as a result of the injury. It is also vital to remain completely honest with your doctors and lawyers. Lying or exaggerating your claim could have a negative impact on your case. Finally, make sure to list every injury in your report of injury to your employer, including any unscheduled injuries. Following these steps and the advice of your lawyer will help ensure that you are able to make the strongest claim possible in your case.

What is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is an extension of the federal workers’ compensation program that covers longshoremen and harbor workers, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. It was created to offset the dangers associated with contractors and subcontractors deployed overseas. For contractors and subcontractors who are injured while working overseas, the DBA provides them with health insurance and the opportunity to receive a disability rating. U.S. government contractors and subcontractors overseas, regardless of citizenship, are covered by DBA insurance if they are injured. Jobs or positions generally do not matter, meaning if you are a mechanic, a janitor, or even a welder, if you work on a U.S. base and get hurt, you can likely file a DBA claim.

Do You Need Help with Your Defense Base Act Claim or Case?

If you or someone you love has or is considering filing a Defense Base Act claim, let the attorneys at Friedman Rodman & Frank fight to help you recover the damages you deserve. Expenses and injuries sustained on the job can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced roster of DBA attorneys by your side can make a world of difference in the compensation you receive. Our team of expert attorneys has successfully represented injured workers at every stage of their claims, ensuring that they obtain the compensation that they deserve. With our team, you can have faith that your claim is being pursued properly. If you have questions about your case, call us today at 877-627-5116 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a DBA lawyer.