Are you worried about your future after being injured while working overseas on a government contract? Rest assured, our team of highly experienced attorneys is here for you. With their decades of experience in handling Defense Base Act insurance claims, our attorneys will not rest until you get your well-deserved compensation.
Introduction to the Defense Base Act
The Defense Base Act (DBA), which is an addition to the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, aims to pay for the medical care and compensation of those who get injured, or death benefits for those who lose their lives while working on American military bases. The coverage was extended to public works contractors operating outside of the United States, noncitizens, individuals engaged in programs supported by the 1954 Mutual Security Act, and individuals who offer morale and welfare services. DBA claims can be filed for any injury regardless of how minor or severe. Of these, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one type of injury that frequently results in a difficult DBA claim procedure (TBI).
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is injured by a rapid, external physical attack. When the brain strikes the inside of the skull, brain tissue is damaged. TBI is a general term that encompasses a wide range of brain ailments. Damage to the brain may be localized (restricted to a single area) or broad (damage in more than one area). A brain injury’s severity can range from a minor concussion to a serious one that can leave a victim in a coma or even lead to death.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries Covered Under a DBA Claim
There are two types of Traumatic Brain Injury:
- Closed Brain Injury:
When there is no break in the skull and only a nonpenetrating brain injury, this condition is known as a closed brain injury. A sudden jerking movement and shaking of the brain inside the bony skull can result in a closed brain injury through bruising and ripping of the brain’s blood vessels and tissue.
- Penetrating Brain Injury:
When the skull is broken, like when a gunshot pierces the brain, it results in penetrating or open brain injuries.
Types of Accidents and Exposure that Can Cause Federal Contractors to Develop a Brain Injury
TBIs sustained for people working on government contracts include:
- Falls from great heights
- Slips and falls that result in a head injury
- Automobile collisions
- Explosions
- Getting hit by something
- Heavy machinery mishaps
- Assaults
Head Trauma and Blast Exposure to Explosive Detonations
Contractors often work near dangerous combat zones and are exposed to explosions and gunfire. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur as a result of direct or indirect exposure to an explosion and can range in severity. The pressure which is caused by the explosion results in the production of shear and stress waves. These have the ability to immediately result in primary TBI. Internal injuries, such as neuronal injury, vascular damage, and contusion, are common characteristics of primary TBI from blast exposure. The brain is also susceptible to tertiary blast injury, which is brought on by being propelled by blast wind, as well as secondary blast injury, which is brought on by flying debris and fragments.
Physical Symptoms of Brain Injury in Government Contractors
Wide-ranging physical and psychological repercussions may result from traumatic brain damage. While some indications or symptoms may develop right away following the injury, others may take days or weeks to manifest. The most common physical symptoms of mild TBI are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Speech difficulties
- Dizziness
- Trouble balancing
If the TBI is moderate to severe, symptoms may include:
- Loss of consciousness that lasts for hours or more
- Headache that doesn’t go away or becomes worse
- Repeated nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Dilation of one or both eye pupils
- Clear liquids coming out of the ears or nose
- Having trouble waking up from sleep
- Feeling weak or numb in your fingers and toes
Psychological Symptoms of Work Related Brain Injuries
Psychological symptoms of mild TBI include:
- Up to several minutes of unconsciousness
- There is no loss of consciousness, only a feeling of being puzzled, confused, or lost
- Issues with attention or memory
- Mood swings
- Experiencing anxiety or depression
If the TBI is severe, the symptoms become more alarming as well, including:
- Extreme bewilderment
- Combativeness, agitation, or other odd conduct
- Speech slurring
- Coma and other conscious disorders
Benefits Available Under the Defense Base Act for Traumatic Brain Injuries
Contractors are eligible for disability benefits if they have traumatic brain injuries and are unable to work as a result. Section 8 of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act is incorporated into the Defense Base Act, thus DBA claimants get indemnity compensation in the same ways as Longshore claimants. under this section, 66.6667% of the employee’s average weekly earnings must be covered by compensation benefits from the company or its insurance provider.
The amount a contractor is able to earn in a post-injury job is what determines the cash worth of a brain injury dba claim. Defense contractors are also entitled to all necessary medical expenditures related to a TBI disability.
Contact a DBA Brain Injury Claim Lawyer Today
Grossman Attorneys believe that if you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working overseas as a federal contractor, you deserve to be represented by one of the best DBA law firms in the nation. Contact our defense base act attorneys as soon as possible for a free case evaluation. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you are given the compensation you deserve.
