How to Handle Delays in Defense Base Act Payments

Filing a Defense Base Act (DBA) claim can be a lifeline for civilian contractors injured while working overseas. Once your claim is approved, the benefits you receive—such as medical coverage and lost wages—are crucial for your recovery. Unfortunately, payment delays are a common frustration for many injured workers, creating financial stress and uncertainty. Knowing why these delays occur and how to address them can help you take control of your situation.

Common Causes of Payment Delays

DBA benefits are administered by insurance companies, and delays can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common:

Insurance Company Disputes: Insurers may contest the severity of your injuries, the necessity of treatment, or even whether the injury occurred in a work-related capacity. These disputes can significantly delay payments.

Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incorrect paperwork, such as medical records or OWCP forms, can cause delays. The claims process is highly detail-oriented, and even small errors can result in setbacks.

Administrative Backlogs: The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) processes DBA claims but may experience delays due to high volumes of cases or insufficient staffing.

While some delays are unavoidable, others may stem from bad-faith practices by insurance companies attempting to minimize their payouts.

What to Do if Your Payments Are Delayed

If your DBA payments are delayed, taking proactive steps can help resolve the issue:

Contact the Insurance Company: Start by reaching out to the insurance adjuster handling your case. Ask for specific reasons for the delay and request a timeline for resolution. Sometimes, delays result from simple misunderstandings or clerical errors that can be easily fixed.

Review Your Documentation: Double-check all paperwork to ensure it is complete and accurate. Missing medical records or improperly filled forms can cause significant delays.

Request Assistance from the OWCP: If the insurance company is unresponsive or disputes your claim without justification, you can escalate the issue to the OWCP. They have the authority to investigate and resolve disputes.

These steps can help address minor issues, but persistent delays or disputes may require professional legal intervention.

Penalties for Late Payments

Under DBA regulations, insurers are required to issue timely payments once a claim is approved. If they fail to do so, they may be subject to penalties, including paying interest on overdue benefits. Knowing your rights and holding insurers accountable can prevent unnecessary delays.

How a DBA Lawyer Can Help

Handling payment delays on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also dealing with the aftermath of an injury. A DBA lawyer can:

Communicate with Insurers: Your lawyer can act as your advocate, pressing the insurance company for timely payments and addressing disputes on your behalf.

File Complaints with the OWCP: If delays persist, your attorney can file formal complaints and request penalties for noncompliance.

Protect Your Rights: A lawyer ensures that insurers follow the rules and that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under the DBA.

Don’t Let Payment Delays Add to Your Stress

At Friedman Rodman & Frank, we understand how critical timely DBA benefits are to your recovery. If you’re experiencing payment delays, contact us for a free consultation. You can reach us at 877-448-8585 or through our secure online contact form. We’ll work to resolve the issue quickly and ensure you get the compensation you need to move forward.