How to Approach a Defense Base Act Case

Preparing for a Defense Base Act (DBA) case can be complex and intimidating. That’s why it’s important to consult with a lawyer and adhere to the following tips to make sure your claim is the most successful it can be.

Ask Your Employer DBA Coverage

Before arriving on-site or traveling overseas for your employer, make sure to formally ask about your DBA insurance coverage. It is vital to know which company is covering your DBA insurance. It will most likely be one of several large insurance companies in the field, such as AIG, Zurich, or Broadspire among others. Checking in on such details is important before going into zones of danger because DBA insurance companies are motivated to deny claims, and you want to be familiar with the process before the need arises for you to file.

Ask Colleagues About Their DBA Insurance

Before you arrive and once you’re on-site, make sure to speak to your co-workers, roommates, and colleagues about their DBA insurance coverage. Speaking with people who are living and working around you can be an important part of understanding the DBA. Gathering information from people who have already encountered the system can answer a lot of questions you might have about the process.

Choose Your Treating Doctor

When filling out your DBA forms, make sure to choose your own treating doctor when it comes to injury or illnesses. If you’ll be working in a dangerous country, it is wise to select a variety of different doctors, such as an orthopedist, a surgeon, a neurologist, and a traumatologist. As mentioned before, the insurance companies are motivated to defeat DBA claims so they aren’t required to make payments. Using their suggested doctors tilts the playing field towards them, and could result in a less successful claim.

What is the DBA?

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is an extension of the 1941 U.S. Worker’s Compensation Program that was enacted to provide coverage for employees working outside of the U.S. for American employers. The policy allows employees to receive compensation while working at U.S. military bases in a national defense or diplomacy capacity or as a civilian working on an American federal military contract. The DBA insurance program is expansive, covering all service contracts and full-time employees at American defense bases throughout the world. One of the most frequent questions about the DBA revolves around the statute of limitations on DBA claims.

Do You Need Help with Your Defense Base Act Claim?

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 experienced attorneys have 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.