Are you confused about what DBA claims commutations are and how it works correctly? This may be the case for many people, but fortunately, you’ve clicked on the right article to answer all of the DBA claim questions that you may have.
Not only are we going to tell you what it is, but we are also going to explain it in depth so that you know what to expect after you’ve filed your Defense Base Act Claim. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know.
What are DBA Claims Commutations?
Assuming that your claim wasn’t denied a commutation is when the value of the settlement benefits awarded to a qualified claimant is taken into consideration. The compensation assigned to the surviving members of the victim’s family and is known as death benefits or disability benefits if only severe injury occurred to the victim.
In some cases, the person that filed the claim can request that the settlement be distributed in installments. This will require a written letter to the DLHWC or Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation, detailing the reasons for the payments and evidence to support it.
Some of the reasons or stipulations outlined in your letter to the DLHWC may include:
- Future employment affected by your injury
- The weekly wage of your salary
- Information about the surviving members of the claimants family
- Evidence about the cause of this victims death
Before you submit your letter to the DLHWC, it’s crucial to have the supporting documentation to prove the validity of the stipulations that you’ve outlined in your letter.
How Commutation Value is Calculate
When it comes to DBA claims and commutation, you must understand how to calculate the commutation value. There is a form that you will complete in Excel that will accurately help to calculate the commutation sum awarded to the victim or their family members.
The items needed to calculate the sum value include:
- Country of residence
- Date of birth
- Injury date
- Gender
- Type of disability
- Benefit weekly rate
- One year interest rate
You must have all of the information you need to get the most accurate sum value.
Injury Benefits
When discussing your settlement money, it’s crucial to understand what benefits you have under the act. Your benefits may include help with medical care and bills that you may need to continue healing from your injury.
You may also qualify for complete or partial disability payments depending on the nature of your injury, which can prevent you from returning to working full time. There is also the benefit of receiving aid when it comes to rehabilitation services that you may require.
Death Benefits
If a death has been a result of the accident, then the benefits awarded to the claimant will go to their surviving family members known as beneficiaries. The beneficiaries may include the spouse of the victim, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, or anyone else that relied on the victim for their wellbeing and care.
Some of the death benefits are having funeral expenses paid up to a certain amount and receive a percentage of the victim’s weekly wages.
DBA Claims Commutations
When you discuss DBA claims commutations, it’s crucial to know and understand the information provided above. When you know commutations, it becomes easier to understand the benefits and financial help you’ll be receiving.
If you’re in search of an experienced law firm to help you file your DBA claim, contact our offices today.