Maximizing Your Settlement Amount Under the Defense Base Act

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 broad, 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 settlement process for DBA claims.

Maximizing Settlements Under the Defense Base Act

There are several important things to keep in mind when initially filing, and throughout the life of your, DBA claim all the way through a potential settlement. Maximizing your claim amount begins with understanding that you do not have to be physically working at the time of your injury for the DBA to apply. The easiest way to undercut your compensation is by failing to file a claim in the first place. If you were in a war zone or zone of special danger, DBA coverage is 24 hours a day, and slipping in the shower, tripping over a rock, or even injuring yourself doing exercise would all qualify for DBA coverage. Additionally, once you are injured, it is vital to let your supervisor know as soon as possible. Not only should you notify your supervisor in person, but you should send an email or fax, making sure to keep a copy for your own records to establish when the injury occurred. Make sure to document the injury by taking photos and writing down your recollection of everything that occurred.

Once the injury has been reported, make sure to track all of your wage records, including bonuses. This will be important when calculating a potential award. Further, once you begin receiving treatment for your injury, ensure that you are treated by a doctor of your choice. It is your right to see a doctor of your choice under the DBA, and while the insurance company may try to recommend a doctor or provide a list, you are entitled to an independent doctor of your choice throughout your treatment. It is vital, if possible, to find a doctor that understands what it means to work in war zones or zones of special danger if that applies to your situation. Bring any photographs and or documentation of the injury to the doctor to make sure they understand the full extent of your health issue.

Maintain a list of all potential witnesses for your injury and keep a journal of all the treatment you receive. Make sure to track all the doctors and medical facilities you visit. Similarly, make sure you receive all medical records from your treatment. Always be truthful with your doctor. DBA claims may be dismissed if the Department of Labor Administrative Law Judge finds that you have lied during the process. Do not allow the DBA insurance company’s “nurse case manager” to be present in the examination room with you while you are being treated. Ask them to stay in the waiting room. The case manager is a representative of the insurance company and is not there to help with your claim. Lastly, make sure an experienced DBA attorney handles your claim. The DBA claim process is complex, and your claim will benefit greatly from an attorney.

Do You Need Help with Your Defense Base Act Claim in Florida?

If you or someone you love has or is considering filing a DBA 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.