If you were injured while working as a U.S. contractor overseas, you may deserve compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA). At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, our experienced attorneys help injured civilian contractors obtain benefits available under the Defense Base Act for their medical care, lost wages, and disability.
We understand the unique challenges of working in high-risk environments abroad and know how to manage the federal claims process. Our team could use this unique knowledge to protect your rights.
What Benefits Are Available Under the DBA?
The Defense Base Act provides benefits to civilian employees working overseas on U.S. military bases or under government contracts who suffer work-related injuries, illnesses, or death. The DBA covers:
- Medical expenses: All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescriptions, with no out-of-pocket costs to the worker
- Disability compensation: Wage replacement benefits, which are typically a percentage of your average weekly earnings, are available for those whose disabilities prevent them from working
- Death benefits: Payments to surviving dependents, which may include funeral expenses and ongoing support for a spouse or children, if a worker dies from a job-related injury or illness
- Vocational rehabilitation: Job retraining or rehabilitation services to help the injured worker return to suitable employment may be available in some cases
It could be difficult to obtain medical payments from an insurance company. A lawyer familiar with the Defense Base Act could help.
How Long Do Benefits Last?
The duration of the benefits obtained through the DBA depends on the nature and severity of your injury or disability. If you are temporarily disabled, you can receive benefits for as long as you are unable to work due to your injury or until a doctor determines you have recovered or reached maximum medical improvement. For permanent disabilities, benefits can continue indefinitely, often for life, depending on your condition and classification as partially or totally disabled.
Medical benefits generally last as long as treatment is necessary and reasonable for your work-related condition. Death benefits to surviving dependents continue according to federal law, often for the lifetime of a spouse or until children reach a certain age. Because insurance companies sometimes try to terminate or reduce benefits prematurely, having an experienced DBA attorney could help ensure your benefits continue as long as legally allowed.
Can You Reach a Settlement?
A Defense Base Act claim is like a workers’ compensation case in that successful claims could result in a lump-sum settlement payment to recover compensation for covered damages. If you choose to settle your case, you may need to negotiate with the insurance company if there are disagreements about the value of your case. When you sign a DBA workers’ compensation settlement, you are agreeing to release the insurance company from any further liability in connection with your case. Thus, it is essential that you negotiate with the insurance company to maximize the value of your settlement. A knowledgeable lawyer could argue for a fair amount on your behalf.
Call Today To Learn About Compensation Available Through the DBA
If you have suffered injuries while working overseas on behalf of the U.S. government, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris could help explain the benefits available under the Defense Base Act. Learn what we could do for you during your free initial consultation. Call us or contact us online today to schedule an appointment.
