What is the Defense Base Act?
Civilian contractors and subcontractors who’ve suffered an injury while working on a U.S. military base are eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits under the Defense Base Act (DBA). However, Defense Base Act claims are complicated, and when workers attempt to file a claim on their own, they often come across obstacles that aren’t necessarily so easy to overcome. The slightest mistake in a DBA claim can result in a denial. Here’s why it’s critical to enlist the help of a DBA attorney.
How Mistakes Can Lead to a Denied Claim
When it comes to DBA claims, it’s more than crucial to ensure you’ve filled out and submitted all paperwork accurately. Some of the most common mistakes injured workers make in DBA claims are:
- Not providing sufficient documentation of the injuries sustained. One of the most critical pieces of your DBA claim is medical reports as well as the injury report. Not having the correct information included in these documents can be detrimental to your case.
- Speaking to the insurance company. While you may be required to talk to the insurance company about your injury, they will attempt to get information from you that could be a reason to deny your claim. Any information that you provide, whether in writing or verbally, could be used against you in your case.
- Filing a claim without legal representation. It goes without saying that DBA claims are difficult to process without knowing how insurance companies operate. Handling your DBA case without legal counsel can put you at risk of a denial.
What to Look For in a DBA Lawyer
When it comes to having an attorney assist you with your DBA claim, you want to ensure that they have extensive experience with these types of claims. When speaking to your attorney, ask the following questions:
- How many years have they been experienced with DBA claims?
- Are they licensed to handle DBA claims throughout the U.S?
- Do they offer free case evaluations?
Having a skilled attorney can help you win your Defense Base Act case.
Contact a Defense Base Act Lawyer Today
If you’ve sustained an injury while working on a U.S. military base, overseas or domestic, we can help. As a workers’ compensation law firm, we are proud to represent injured contract employees for the U.S. government throughout the country.
Contact The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC today at (210) 807-3178 to learn more about how we can help you receive the compensation that you deserve.