As a contractor who works for the government overseas, you need to know there is protection available for you if the worst happens. This protection comes from the defense base act in the form of compensation and may mean you qualify for assistance.
Many people don’t know this is available to them, so they end up missing out on the benefits they deserve!
If you’ve been injured, keep reading to learn the answers to three of the most important questions to ask yourself before filing your defense base act claims.
1. What Is the DBA, and Do I Qualify?
The defense base act claims, or DBA, gives workers compensation protection or employees who are civilians and working outside of the US on military bases. It also covers those working under a contract with the US government for national defense or public works. If you are either of these and have a medical condition related to your work during that time, you do qualify.
Some of the medical conditions that can be covered in the defense base act are:
- Tinnitus
- COPD
- PTSD
- Injuries
If you have any of these, you need to speak with a medical provider and keep going to them. This is one of the best ways to keep track of your injuries and provide proof to a judge when needed.
2. When Should I File?
You only have one year after the accident or only one year from the last payment of compensation, whichever is later, to file your claim. The best thing you should do is immediately report your injuries to your supervisor as soon as they happen.
Since these cases can take a long time and require a lot of information, it’s best to file fast. Also, it would be best if you had the income from this claim to survive, so don’t waste any precious time and file as soon as you can.
3. Should I File Myself or Use a Lawyer?
The answer to this is straightforward: you should always use a lawyer. Defense base act attornies know the ins and outs of the laws and know what’s needed to get your compensation.
A lawyer will also be able to keep track of all documentation, such as
- Injury and Incident Reports
- Medical Records
- Original Claim
- Any and All Communication
- Ongoing Medical Records
- Wage Records
Lawyers can also make sure any deadlines for filing are met and that they have sufficient information so your claim doesn’t become a risk. Overall, a DBA attorney is there for you every step of the way to make sure everything you need is handled smoothly and efficiently.
File Your Defense Base Act Claims Now
Once you answer these questions, it’s time to file your defense base act claims today. There’s no reason for you to wait any longer; get the benefits you deserve by filing early.
If you need help filing your claim, please contact us today. We’ve been helping people like you for years and are available 24/7.