Statistics show that, on average, a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds.

This is a huge problem in more dangerous working environments, such as military bases. Injuries in these settings are common and have the potential to be very serious.

If you suffer an injury or fall ill while working on an overseas military base, you should be entitled to file a Defense Base Act claim. However, if there is some issue with your claim, your DBA benefits may not come through.

Read on to learn about what you can do if your Defense Base Act claim runs into trouble.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a piece of legislation that the US federal government enacted in 1942. It protects any US contractor who is working overseas on a project that is funded by the government.

This means that it covers any contractors who work on military bases (essentially, anyone working there who isn’t a member of the military). 

What Are DBA Benefits?

Quite simply, DBA benefits are the monetary allowances you get after a successful Defense Base Act claim. They can take different forms, depending on the nature of your sickness or injury.

The first consideration when it comes to DBA benefits will always be medical expenses. If you become severely unwell, it may take weeks or months of intensive medical care to restore you to full health. In more serious cases, you might require medical care for the rest of your life.

Lost earnings are the next thing to take into account. Most of the time, people who file successful Defense Base Act claims are incapacitated for a number of months. Claim packages should cover a percentage of the money you would have earned over that period.

What to Do if Your Claim Is Denied

DBA claims can be denied for a number of reasons. You might forget to fill out a certain detail on a form, or there may be some ambiguity around a given detail. If there is any uncertainty at all with regard to your submitted forms, this is likely to mean a longer waiting period for payment.

The first and most important step you need to take after a failed DBA claim is to hire a lawyer. With legal representation on your side, you’ll have someone making sure everything is running smoothly toward getting your settlement as soon as possible.

A DBA lawyer can also represent you if your employer decides to legally dispute your claim. If this happens, you’ll need someone capable fighting your corner. 

Securing Your Entitlements After Illness or Injury

DBA benefits are crucial for the thousands of people that become sick or injured while working as overseas military contractors. Unfortunately, the claims process can be long and difficult. If you’re left waiting for your money for an extended period, it can be difficult to meet all your expenses in the short run.

That’s why legal representation is a must when you run into this kind of difficulty. If you need to discuss a DBA claim or develop a strategy as to how you’re going to get paid, contact us today.