Studies indicate that exposure to hazardous substances or environments was a factor in 36,840 job injuries in 2020 – a year with one of the most off-days.
Working overseas for the U.S. government or its contractors can be risky, which is why the Defense Base Act (DBA) exists. This federal law provides workers’ compensation benefits to employees who are injured while working abroad. However, the process of filing DBA claims can be complicated and frustrating.
If you’re a DBA claimant, there are several steps you can take to improve your claim process and increase your chances of success. In this blog, we’ll discuss these steps in detail.
Reporting Your Injury Immediately
The first step to improving your Defense Base Act claim process is to report your injury immediately. According to the DBA, you must report your injury to your employer or supervisor within 30 days of the incident.
Failure to do so could result in your claim being denied. Reporting your injury promptly not only ensures that you meet the deadline but also helps establish a clear connection between your injury and your work.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you’re injured while working overseas, seek medical attention immediately. Your health and well-being should always be your top priority.
Additionally, seeing a doctor can help you document your injury and establish a connection between your injury and your work. Make sure you keep a record of all your medical reports, including diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions.
Keeping a Record of Everything
Recording everything related to your injury and the claim process can help you build a stronger case and avoid discrepancies. This includes medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and communication with your employer and insurance company.
Ensure that you keep a copy of all the documents related to your claim process as it can help your attorney build a strong case.
Hiring a Defense Base Act Lawyer
Working with an experienced DBA attorney can make a significant difference in your claim process. A DBA lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Additionally, a Defense Base Act attorney can help you navigate the complex claim process, file paperwork, and negotiate with insurance companies. An experienced attorney will help you understand the nuances of the law, and you’ll have a better understanding of your case.
Being Honest
Honesty is critical in the DBA claim process. You must be truthful about your injury, medical history, and work. Lying or withholding information can damage your credibility and jeopardize your chances of success. Additionally, if the insurance company discovers that you’re dishonest, they may deny your claim.
Experienced DBA Lawyer: Make Your DBA Claims Process Easier
Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference in the world while submitting a Defense Base Act claim. DBA issues are incredibly complex, and not knowing how the law operates might hurt your case.
While DBA claims may function similarly to workers’ compensation claims, many details may require extra care, and not every worker’s compensation lawyer will be able to successfully manage your DBA claim. Get in touch with a qualified Defense Base Act lawyer right away.
If you were injured while working on a project for the U.S. government, look no further than Barnes Law Company, LLP. We put a lot of effort into ensuring that all of our clients receive the DBA benefits they are entitled to nationwide. Schedule a consultation today to get started.