Were you recently injured while working outside the United States on a military base or under a contract with the U.S. government? If you’re eligible for benefits under the Defense Base Act, don’t rush to file your claim.

Filing DBA claims in a rush often leads to costly mistakes. Avoid these errors as you begin navigating the legal process. Otherwise, you might not receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.

Read on to learn more.

1. Inaccurate Information

To file a successful Defense Base Act claim, you need to provide thorough documentation of your injury. First, confirm that your employer notified the insurance company as soon as you sustained an injury. Follow up on your own to confirm it was filed correctly and is compliant with all deadlines.

The report should include:

• The day/time the injury occurred
• What parts of the body were injured
• How you sustained the injury
• Contact information of witnesses

It’s sometimes difficult to get information from witnesses if you were injured overseas. Try to get their information before traveling.

The DBA insurance company will request access to your medical records to evaluate your injuries. They should not have access to your entire medical history.

To avoid providing too much information, consult your DBA lawyer. They’ll make sure the insurance company only gains access to the necessary information. Maintain open communication with your DBA lawyer regarding doctor visits and your injuries.

When visiting the doctor, inform them of prior treatments and medications. Remain honest about the severity of your injury.

Make sure you’re not withholding or changing information. Adjustments could delay the process or qualify as fraud.

2. Speaking to an Adjuster

After sustaining a work-related injury, expect a call from an insurance adjuster. They’ll ask you to make a statement and answer questions related to the injury.

You’re not required to speak to the insurance adjuster alone. It’s in your best interests to have an experienced DBA lawyer at your side. They’ll make sure you don’t say anything that might hurt your claim.

Otherwise, your statement could be misconstrued. The insurance company might limit your benefits.

3. Not Consulting a Lawyer

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is neglecting to hire a DBA lawyer.

An experienced lawyer will protect your best interests. They can also help you avoid making costly mistakes when filing a claim.

Leverage their experience and expertise to navigate the legal process, especially if you have a unique case. They’ll make sure your claim gets approved.

Without their help, you may not receive the full extent of compensation you deserve. Their Defense Base Act knowledge and case experience can help. They’ll consider the fine print while fighting for your rights.

Avoid These Common DBA Claims Mistakes

Making DBA claims mistakes could leave you without the compensation you deserve. Working with an experienced DBA lawyer can help you avoid these costly errors. They can guide you and fight for your claim.

Take the time to hire a DBA lawyer with the necessary experience and expertise. Our team at Barnes Law Firm has over 20 years of experience.

Contact us today to file your claim.