Working as a civilian contractor alongside U.S. Armed Forces has many privileges, one of which is Defense Base Act (DBA) coverage. DBA coverage applies regardless of nationality or where you are located. However, it is the tendency of insurance companies to try to deny medical care and compensation to affected civilian contractors.
Fighting your DBA case alone is not something wise to do. Seek proper counsel to assist you with your claim and follow these steps to get the best result in your DBA fight.
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ASK YOUR EMPLOYER ABOUT DBA COVERAGE
Before flying to Afghanistan, Iraq or any other dangerous zone, ask your employer about your Defense Base Act insurance coverage. Make sure you know which company is covering your DBA insurance. In many cases it could be AIG, Broadspire, Zurich or another big insurance company.
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ASK YOUR COLLEAGUES ABOUT THEIR DBA COVERAGE
Talk to your colleagues or roommates who might be living with you on the same military base or camp and see if they understand DBA insurance. You can watch these videos to get a world of information about the DBA and get your questions answered.
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CHOOSE YOUR TREATING DOCTOR
When filling out the forms, choose your own treating doctor in case of injury or illness. If you work in a dangerous country, it is wise to select different doctors such as an orthopedist, a surgeon, a neurologist or a traumatologist.
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WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENS
Yes, DBA lawyers do receive fees. However, unlike other fields of law, under the Defense Base Act, an attorney is not allowed to take a certain percentage of client’s settlement amount. The final fees and costs associated with the claim must be approved by a judge at the end of each case. The final fees and costs are then paid by the insurance companies. Watch our video for more information.
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WHAT DOES IT COST ME TO HAVE A LAWYER?
Under the Defense Base Act, injured employees who hire lawyers do not have to pay any fees. The lawyer does not demand a certain percentage of the settlement amount. The lawyers’ fees under the DBA are paid by the DBA insurance company which covers your employer.
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WHERE TO FIND A GOOD DBA LAWYER?
There are a lot of good DBA lawyers in the United States. Choose a lawyer with a good record and international experience who has taken different DBA cases. The lawyer does not have to be from your city or state. You can fill out the forms and send them through email and communicate by phone.
If you are injured on duty, and even before you are deployed overseas, you can always contact Garfinkel Schwartz Law Firm and send us your questions. We have a 24-hour line (+1) 800-393-2999 available for you to call us at any time. We will get back to you as soon as possible.