Understanding Non-Schedule DBA Injuries

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. The DBA is expansive and covers many different types of injuries, often sorting common injuries into distinct categories. Non-schedule injuries result in permanent disability and do not fall into any of the predetermined categories.

What is a Non-Schedule Injury?

One of the types of injuries specifically covered under the DBA is non-scheduled injuries. Having a clear working understanding of what is and isn’t a non-schedule injury is vital for employees who could be injured while working overseas. Knowing about non-schedule injuries could impact your compensation and it’s crucial to navigating the DBA claims process effectively to maximize the benefits you may be entitled to. Non-scheduled injuries are distinct in that they do not fall into predefined categories associated with specific jobs or occupations under workers’ compensation. That means that non-schedule injuries aren’t formally listed in categories like other DBA injuries. Non-schedule injuries can arise from a variety of different sources, including illnesses, work-related accidents, occupational diseases, or other forms of trauma.

As with other DBA-qualified injuries, employers are responsible for providing workers’ compensation insurance to any worker injured in a work-related accident under the DBA. Non-schedule injury claims are different in that they involve permanent disability that doesn’t fit into a traditional category. Unlike injuries with predetermined compensation levels, non-schedule injuries lack a fixed compensation rate. As a result, the courts must determine the level of compensation for each non-schedule injury on a case-by-case basis.

Examples of Non-Schedule Injuries

Non-schedule injuries are not specific to any one occupation or job and therefore can vary significantly. While it can be hard to picture what non-schedule injuries might be, here are a few examples: (1) traumatic brain injuries, (2) spinal cord damage, (3) repetitive stress injuries, (4) hearing loss, (5) post-traumatic stress disorder, (6) mental health disorders, and (7) respiratory illnesses due to hazardous material exposure. This list is not exhaustive but provides a good survey of different types of non-schedule injuries that might qualify for compensation under the DBA depending on the circumstances surrounding the claim.

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.