The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides crucial financial protection for civilian contractors working for an employer overseas in support of the U.S. military. However, many eligible claimants are unaware of their rights and may be denied the full benefits they deserve.
If you have suffered a scheduled injury while working abroad, it is essential to understand your rights under the DBA and contact an experienced defense base act lawyer to protect your rights and get started on your claim.
What Are Scheduled Injuries?
Scheduled injuries refer to specific body parts or organs, such as eyes, hands, feet, or lungs, which may be affected by work-related injuries under workers’ compensation law. An injured worker may be eligible for additional benefits when they sustain a scheduled injury. Compensation will vary depending on the injury, the number of weeks the employee is unable to work, and their impairment rating.
Common Scheduled Injuries Under The Defense Base Act
The DBA’s workers’ compensation insurance aims to provide support and financial compensation to those affected by these injuries while working overseas. Some common scheduled injuries under the DBA include:
- Loss of vision in one eye
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of arm at or above the elbow
- Loss of leg at or above the knee
- Permanent total deafness in both ears
- Complete paralysis of one limb
- Total loss of use of a limb
- Loss of fingers or toes
- Severe facial disfigurement
- Loss of a kidney or other vital organ
- Severe burns resulting in permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Amputation of any other extremity or body part
This list is not exhaustive but provides examples of some scheduled body part injuries. Upon reaching maximum medical improvement, injured workers may be eligible for compensation under state law workers’ compensation insurance, such as the Longshore Workers’ Act. It is crucial to consult an experienced defense base act lawyer to ensure you receive all benefits owed to you under the DBA.
Understanding Impairment Ratings And How They Affect Your Scheduled Benefits
Understanding impairment ratings is essential for determining benefits in a workers’ compensation case under the DBA. Impairment ratings assess the impact of an injury on a worker’s future earning capacity, taking into account factors such as the worker’s age and occupation before the work injury.
Medical professionals determine the impairment or disability rating based on how well the injured person can perform their job duties after the work-related injury. These ratings are expressed in a percentage, with higher percentages indicating a more significant impact on the worker’s ability to earn an income.
A disability rating can affect scheduled benefits by influencing the amount of compensation paid out. Generally, the compensation amount is determined by multiplying the impairment rating with the worker’s average weekly wage before the injury occurred. For example, a higher impairment rating would result in a higher lump sum under the DBA.
Need Help With Your DBA Scheduled Claim? Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today!
Navigating a DBA scheduled injury claim can be challenging. Our knowledgeable attorneys, with years of experience handling defense base act and longshore claim lawsuits, will guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist with your DBA claim!
