Towards the end of 2023, there were five Purple Hearts awarded to injured troops after attacks on bases in Iraq and Syria. Even if you’re a non-combatant employee on a military base, there’s always the risk of suffering an injury from an attack.
The Defense Base Act provides compensation to yourself and your family if you’re injured or killed while on the job. However, you may run into difficulties when trying to get your payout. The insurance company may question the validity of your injury.
Here are some reasons why you should hire a Defense Base Act lawyer in your time of need.
Expertise in the Defense Base Act
The Defense Base Act has its own set of benefits and limitations. It can help you get compensation if you develop PTSD as a result of your work overseas. However, you have a one-year statute of limitations, and you may make your case more difficult if you wait to file.
A Defense Base Act attorney knows exactly how this area works and the various nuances of the Act. They can ensure all legal requirements are met on both sides.
Can Help Navigate the Claims Process
Navigating any insurance claim is difficult, even with your primary physician’s support. It gets especially tricky when you’re suffering from an invisible disability, such as PTSD or crippling depression.
When you hire a Defense Base Act lawyer, you’re getting someone who has years of experience navigating the claims process. They can help you gather whatever evidence you need. Chances are good they’ll even make the claims process much quicker than if you filed alone.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Even though the Defense Base Act is a federal law, insurance coverage is supplied by private insurance companies. Currently, the three major insurance carriers are ACE-USA, AIG, and CNA.
Like any other insurance company, they will try to deny your claim and look for any holes in your case. Instead of putting yourself through that torment, you can rely on your Defense Base Act lawyers to negotiate with them to get a resolution in your favor.
Legal Representation in Court
There’s always the chance that the insurance company denies your claim for workers’ compensation benefits. In that case, you’ll need to take legal action. You’ll need a lawyer to help organize the lawsuit and represent you in court.
Find an attorney who has worked in this area in the past, as they’ll know what evidence is most important.
Hire Your Defense Base Act Lawyer
Working as a military contractor is a brave act, even if you never visit the front lines of war. Civilian employees working on a U.S. military base are still under threat and could suffer injuries as a result of their position. The Defense Base Act should protect you in situations such as these.
If you need a Defense Base Act lawyer, look no further than the Barnes Law Firm. Our attorneys will hold negligent parties accountable and get you the justice you deserve. Set up your free initial consultation today to tell us your story.