Given its size, it should come as no surprise that California is home to a large number of military contractors. With 44 distinct contractors within its borders, it has the second-largest number of any state behind only Virginia. These companies and the military bases located in the state host thousands of civilian employees. When they are hurt on the job, a claim through the Defense Base Act might be appropriate.
The Defense Base Act provides a path to financial compensation for civilians hurt while working on military bases or serving federal contractors abroad. When successful, a claim can pay your medical bills and replace your lost wages. Let a California Defense Base Act lawyer help you understand what is possible.
How Does the Defense Base Act Work?
The Defense Base Act offers financial benefits for civilian workers on overseas military bases. The act also pays claims for those who operate under public work contracts with the federal government. This could include workers contracted to build or maintain American infrastructure overseas, as well as people involved in humanitarian work.
The primary purpose of this act is to require companies that hire civilians to work at foreign military bases to carry insurance for when accidents happen. A claim against these policies could provide a monetary award for a civilian contractor.
When it comes to filing a claim, there are a few steps a worker should take to protect themselves. This starts with seeking out medical help as soon as possible after a workplace accident. In addition to seeing a doctor and following their treatment plan, another important way to protect a claim is by carefully documenting everything related to the injury.
It can be difficult to know how to proceed in these situations, as traditional negligence lawsuits are not an option, and the same is true with workers’ compensation benefits. The good news is that a Defense Base Act attorney could offer a path to compensation for California workers.
Types of DBA Benefits
There are very specific benefits available through a successful claim. With the help of a Defense Base Act attorney, an injured California civilian worker could recover disability compensation and have their medical expenses paid.
Medical Benefits
One of the top concerns for anyone hurt overseas while working as a government contractor is the cost of their medical care. The good news is that the Defense Base Act not only covers these expenses, but it also requires direct payment to the providers.
The benefit of this approach is that the injured worker is never forced to pay out of their own pocket before seeking reimbursement. Instead, they can focus on recovering without worrying about how the care is paid for. Claims can cover a variety of treatments, from surgical procedures to physical therapy.
Disability Payments
Another key aspect of a successful claim is disability payments. When a contractor is too injured to return to their job, they can quickly lose their only source of income. Disability benefits are intended to replace those lost wages for as long as the condition persists.
Some people are eligible for temporary benefits given the high likelihood of their condition eventually resolving itself. Others can obtain permanent disability benefits if they are unable to work again in the future. The amount paid out on these claims each week depends on the average wage prior to a person’s injury.
Speak to a Defense Base Act Attorney in California Today
If you were hurt while working abroad, you might be entitled to a monetary award. Let a California Defense Base Act lawyer help you review your options and determine the best path forward. Reach out immediately for a confidential consultation to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer.
