Based off of an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act, the Defense Base Act serves a very specific purpose. It provides compensation for medical benefits, death benefits and more to eligible employees. Unlike the LHWCA, the Defense Base Act has several restrictions on which accidents are covered, and which workers can collect payment.
The often-complicated nature of the paperwork leads to workers depending on the help of Defense Base Act legal teams. They provide a network of information that is needed to navigate the rough road to recovery.
5. While Driving
When driving on the job, an accident can change everything. A motor vehicle collision is not always about finding fault, but instead focuses on the aftermath of all involved. If you’re unable to fulfill your current work role after a driving accident, then the DBA kicks into gear.
The important thing about driving accidents and the DBA is location, and it can be a huge factor in your personal case.
4. On Duty
You are always at risk while on duty. This applies to non-combat personal injuries when fulfilling the normal role of the job. An unsafe work environment is one of the biggest causes of on duty accidents, and when left unchecked can lead to serious personal injury. Employees should never have to work in sub-optimal conditions that endanger their physical health.
3. Combat Accidents
This is the most obvious and covers the most common combat accidents. One thing that isn’t talked about enough is the effects of PTSD. The severity (and discovery) of PTSD can be considered a combat accident. How it is filed is different for everyone, but it is worth noting that coverage is very important in all situations.
No two cases are the same when PTSD is involved, so keep that in mind when going through the paperwork.
2. Medical Negligence
This is probably the most complicated category for accidents covered under the DBA. If the care of a physician leads to the harm of the patient under their case, then there is clear fault. Physical and emotional injury can be caused by medical negligence. This is a lot different than a patient that refuses to follow the doctor’s care instructions.
1. Slip and Fall
Just like road accidents, slip and fall accidents are common. There is a certain amount of professional negligence that leads to slip and fall accidents like lack of signage or bad property upkeep. It can happen at any time, and is one of the shining examples of why the DBA covers so many territories, even foreign. That doesn’t make it any less complicated, especially if the accident happened on private property.
Wrap Up
If you have been injured on the job and are eligible for benefits, don’t delay getting your paperwork together. Every moment counts, and sometimes it takes a lot more effort than you’re capable of giving.
Get professional help to ease the burden of the process for both yourself and loved ones. Consider it one of the many necessary steps after an accident to get the closure you need.
