If you or your loved one are a civilian contractor injured or suffered from PTSD while working overseas on a military base, you are probably aware that your employer is obligated to provide you with a particular type of Workers’ Compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA). These benefits cover all medical treatment costs, disability benefits, and death benefits in the event of a fatality.
Hiring one of our DBA lawyers to represent you in your DBA claims helps you to thoroughly assess your condition to guarantee you present the most substantial claim possible.
We, as your legal representative will get you your full benefits because having an experienced DBA lawyer on your side will ensure that you receive all of the benefits to which you are legally entitled.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem you may develop after experiencing traumatic events that leave a lasting psychological impact. It was first recognized in war veterans.
When a traumatic situation occurs in your life, it can shake you to your core. No longer does the world feel like a safe place to live. It turns into a place where awful things happen and have happened, and this mentality becomes pervasive enough to negatively affect your everyday life.
What is the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act regarding workers’ compensation. Congress enacted the DBA to offer workers’ compensation coverage for certain civilian employees wounded overseas.
Can You File a DBA Claim for PTSD?
DBA applies to any federal contractor that employs workers on a military base outside the United States or on a foreign public work contract. Federal law mandates that certain contractors provide workers’ compensation coverage in the event of a work-related injury.
If a federal worker covered by the DBA gets harmed on the work and the business fails to purchase the requisite insurance, the employer faces significant fines. The employer must provide the worker with the DBA-eligible benefits. The injured worker may make a lawsuit against the corporation for damages if the employer fails to pay. The DBA is an essential source of protection for employees working on overseas government contracts, giving you peace of mind that you and your family will be taken care of if something goes wrong.
Common Causes of PTSD in Federal Contractors
In military zones, contractors deal with a wide range of dangerous situations like Near-death experiences, roadside explosions, terrorist attacks, losing comrades, and dealing with the aftermaths of witnessing or being in a violent situation. PTSD is a frequent reaction to extreme trauma, whether due to experiencing physical harm and violence or watching someone else experience it.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Reliving the event in nightmares or flashbacks is a common sign of PTSD, as are feelings of great sadness, fear, and outrage. Military contractors may also feel highly disconnected or distanced from other people. To avoid the triggers of their traumatic experiences, individuals with PTSD might isolate themselves in trying to protect themselves from the disease. Those who have PTSD may have particularly intense sensitivities to loud noises and physical sensations such as nausea, pain, and extreme distress.
How Do I File a PTSD Claim Under the Defense Base Act?
You must first file an LS-203 “claim for compensation” before you can file a Defense Base Act claim. You have to tell the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs about your injury. This office is part of the United States Department of Labor.
Federal workers who are eligible to file DBA claims most of the time don’t get the most out of their settlements, and that’s where our expertise comes in. Our DBA attorneys are here to assist you at every stage of the process and aid you with the highest level of service possible.
Do You Need A Defense Base Act Lawyer To File Your PTSD Claim?
This is the part where you get the best Defense Base Act lawyer on your side to protect your interests in such instances, given the complexity of such claims. In this manner, you can be sure that your rights are upheld at every turn.
Our expert attorneys can fight for reimbursement of existing and future damages due to your condition and exert pressure on the insurance company to get the greatest possible PTSD settlement. They can also help you fight for compensation for past damages.
What Benefits Can I Receive Through A Successful Dba Claim?
These benefits may cover your doctor’s fees as well as prescription drug costs. If you are unable to work, you may be eligible for additional benefits to cover your temporary disability. You may also be able to receive compensation for travel to and from the doctor if you have the right representation. If you have lost a loved one, our lawyers can also assist you in claiming death benefits.
How To Prove A PTSD Claim
To prove a DBA claim for PTSD, you should first seek treatment from a doctor or other medical professional. This allows you to begin the medical record-keeping process while also avoiding more serious complications. Your doctor will evaluate you in order to limit or exclude your workload. Your PTSD’s limitations will help to form the basis of your DBA claim.
What Is The Average Settlement Value Of A PTSD Claim?
There’s no standard settlement amount in a DBA claim case since no two cases are the same. However, it will be determined by your mental health expenses, the severity of your mental health, how PTSD has affected your income and ability to work, and how it affected your responsibilities. Civilian contractors from the United States can expect to pay between $150,000 and $250,000 Claimants often receive more or less than this average range, with some settlements exceeding $500,000. Fortunately, our experienced DBA attorneys have a better understanding of the various facts and circumstances that could impact your potential settlement.
How Long Does It Take To Receive A PTSD Settlement Through The Defense Base Act?
The insurance company has 10 days after receiving a claim to accept or deny the PTSD claim. If approved, benefits will start within 30 days.
How Long Do I Have To File A PTSD Claim?
For PTSD claims, courts have ruled that you have up to two years to file a claim, but it is generally best to do so as soon as possible after discovering that you are suffering from emotional distress.
Contact a Defense Base Act PTSD Claim Lawyer Now
Law can definitely help you with your healing process. You deserve it, so go get it. Step away from that “danger zone” entirely, and let us help you reintroduce yourself to the person you were before the trauma by claiming what’s rightfully yours. With our experienced Attorneys by your side in every step of the way giving you free consultation with a thorough explanation of the process.
We’ve handled countless DBA claims for people like you throughout the years. With our firms extensive knowledge, we’ll be able to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation, Call us today to learn about your options.
