Defense Base Act PTSD Settlements

Getting Clients Suffering from PTSD the Benefits They Deserve

It is well known that many veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to time spent on active duty. However, it is less known that civilian contractors may also have symptoms of distress, including the illness known as PTSD. Mental health conditions are often overlooked, but they play an essential role in a person’s well-being and ability to provide for themselves and their families.

If you or a loved one is experiencing PTSD as a result of time spent at U.S. military bases, you may be suffering financially, emotionally, and physically. The U.S. government recognizes that government contractors deserve medical benefits and has established a legal avenue to collect compensation through the Defense Base Act. Under the Harbor Workers Compensation Act, the DBA provides coverage similar to workers’ compensation programs that pay for the medical expenses and damages done to a person injured or injured on the job.

Our skilled personal injury attorneys have extensive experience filing Defense Base Act claims, including for individuals with a PTSD claim. We can help you navigate the complex DBA claim process and submit the necessary documentation to give you the best chance of having your DBA claim approved. We are standing by to help you claim the disability benefits you deserve for your time serving as a civilian contractor through the U.S. government. Call today to schedule a free strategy planning session at 714-497-2544.

What PTSD Conditions Are Covered by the Defense Base Act?

Psychological injuries may not be visible, like physical harm, but mental health issues are increasingly recognized as covered conditions under the DBA. PTSD victims may experience insomnia, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms that make it difficult to enjoy their lives. This condition may even prevent a person from obtaining gainful employment or living their life as usual. Medications and therapy are effective; however, they are not cheap.

A successful DBA claim must show that the person’s PTSD is directly linked to their time fulfilling overseas government contracts. Establishing causation is critical to show that the post-traumatic stress disorder is a result of a traumatic incident the overseas contractor experienced while on the job. Civilian employees may benefit from hiring a Defense Base Act lawyer who can help report the PTSD claims in a timely manner and prove the severity and link between the mental health problem and extreme trauma that occurred during their employment.

What Are the DBA Benefits Available to Victims of PTSD?

Overseas contractors can collect compensation for more than just physical injuries. Victims of traumatic stress disorder can file a DBA claim to recover damages for a variety of expenses. These include medical benefits, disability benefits, and death benefits.

Medical Expenses Covered by DBA Claims

Individuals may have past and future medical expenses covered in a successful DBA claim. Civilian contractors who have post-traumatic stress disorder could recover the costs of doctor’s visits, therapy, medications, and more. A defense base act attorney can help you identify the expenses you’ve incurred and represent you to get the maximum compensation you are owed for your PTSD claim.

Disability Benefits in the Defense Base Act

Whether you are totally disabled or have a partial disability due to PTSD you developed as a government contractor, you may be eligible for compensation under the DBA. A DBA settlement may include one of four types of disability benefits:

Temporary total benefits for individuals who are completely unable to work for a short period
Temporary partial disability for those who have decreased income potential for a limited time
Permanent total disability for victims who cannot ever return to work
Permanent partial coverage for individuals who have a permanent disability but may be able to do some work

Death Benefits Covered under DBA

PTSD claims can help families of those whose loved ones have passed away while employed as a civilian contractor. Please reach out to a trusted DBA attorney for more information about the benefits you may qualify for if your family member dies as a result of occupational injury.

What Is the Process of Filing for Benefits Under the DBA?

Injured workers should take the following steps to ensure the likelihood of their DBA claims being covered:

Get immediate help from a medical professional who is qualified to care for individuals suffering from PTSD to achieve a quick recovery and obtain medical documentation to help bolster your legal case.
Report the incident to your employer to establish further evidence, if needed, in your DBA PTSD claim
Speak with a trusted legal representative about filing a Defense Base Act claim. Your attorney can help you get the medical attention you need and will get to work immediately to collect the documentation required for a successful PTSD claim.
Obtain an accurate diagnosis from a certified psychiatrist to verify you have PTSD and are eligible to file claims for your disability.
Utilize your DBA lawyer if your claim is challenged or denied. Be patient and communicate honestly with your attorney for a successful PTSD settlement.

How Can a PTSD Settlement Lawyer Help Me?

Filing a DBA claim may seem simple, but such claims are often met with resistance from the government and insurance company. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference when recovering from a traumatic event. Your lawyer can help you make a full financial recovery, including compensation for medical treatment and lost wages.

Some other ways a lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation for your work-related injury include:

Offering counsel based on your unique circumstances
Helping connect you with qualified medical and mental health professionals to get the best medical care
Gathering evidence that connects your PTSD symptoms to a work-related incident
Representing you with confidence when negotiating a fair settlement or getting a favorable ruling from administrative law judges

Should You Hire Our Defense Base Act PTSD Settlements Attorneys?

When you or a loved one experiences a traumatic event while working at a defense base or another military facility, you deserve help reaching a full financial recovery. Federal law makes it possible for victims to exercise benefits by filing PTSD claims, but these documents can be complicated and require the assistance of a skilled DBA attorney like those at Benner Law Firm.

Our team of DBA lawyers has helped countless overseas contractors get a favorable settlement by negotiating with insurance companies and filing successful claims with the Department of Labor. We understand the intricacies behind these laws and will work tirelessly to help you recover the damages you deserve.

Don’t go it alone with so much on the line. Call our legal team right away to schedule a complimentary strategy session where we can discuss your unique case and help you decide how to move forward. You can reach our caring, capable team of personal injury attorneys at 714-497-2544