Defense Base Act Essentials. If you only read one web page on the Defense Base Act it should be this web page. 15 Essential Tips for seriously injured Defense Base Act workers. Don’t miss this - this is MUST reading for injured DBA workers. 619-234-2833 or toll free at 866-963-0540.

15 Essential Tips For Defense Base Act Claims


Defense Base Act Essentials


"MUST READING" for seriously injured Defense Base Act workers.

If you only read one web page on the Defense Base Act - This should be it.

Defense Base Act Lawyer - Defense Base Act Attorney - Bill Turley

What others say about us:

Awarded Super Lawyer 2011

Highest Rated DBA Lawyer By Avvo.com San Francisco Avvo.com Rating

Invited to Speak on the Longshore Act / Defense Base Act at 2011 Maritime Personal Injury Seminar

New York Times 2011 Top Attorney

Elected President of the Consumer Attorneys


Why Fantastic Ratings, Great Reviews, Awards, Teaching, and Leadership Are A Benefit To You

We don't mean to suggest the only way someone can be a really good Defense Base Act Lawyer is to have fantastic ratings, get great reviews, win prestigious lawyer awards, be asked to teach other lawyers about the Defense Base Act at lawyer seminars and be elected to lead lawyer organizations. What these things do mean is that people that do know good lawyers from bad lawyers have chosen us for these honors.

Here are 15 tips that will help you win your Defense Base Act claim


1. You are covered by the Defense Base Act almost all the time you are overseas


You don't have to be actually working in order for your Defense Base Act claim to be compensable. In fact, we have personally seen playing soccer and basketball found to be compensable. A DBA worker that accidentally overdosed after getting a tattoo was found to be compensable under the Defense Base Act.


2. Report your injury immediately


Be sure to report it to someone in a position above yours at the company. Confirm the reporting with an e-mail and send a copy to yourself. Be sure to keep the email copy.


3. Don't give a recorded statement or a written statement


It will only be used to deny your claim. If the adjuster tells you they need your statement in order to provide you with medical treatment or weekly compensation benefits, call a Defense Base Act lawyer. Immediately. But don't give a statement.


4. Don't sign any medical releases or employment releases


If the DBA adjuster tells you they need you to sign authorizations in order to provide your DBA benefits, call a DBA attorney.


5. Wage evidence


Document all your Defense Base Act wages, bonuses, etc. Keep all pay stubs and W-2's. You earnings dtermine your compensation rate. Maximise your earnings to maximise your compensation.


6. The DBA insurance adjuster


Don't blow your relationship with the DBA insurance adjuster. Don't be gabby, but don't be rude. Be polite only say as much as is necessary. The last thing you want to do is motivate the insurance adjuster against you and your claim. On the other hand, don't get all chatty with the DBA insurance adjuster. Remember, it is just like criminal law: everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Depend on it. This is anther reason to get a seasoned DBA lawyer.


7. Document medical treatment


Keep records of all overseas medical treatment. Get names, addresses and e-mail address for all medical providers. Get copies of all your medical records before you leave to return to the United States. Get copies of all imaging studies (MRI's, x-rays, CT scans, etc.).


8. Witness information


Get names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail address of all witnesses to your injury incident.


9. Always tell the truth


If the Judge sees you have lied to them you will have lost your case. You only get one chance and one case. Don't lose your case by fudging, exaggerating or lying.


10. Don't lie about or hide previous injuries or conditions


There is no apportionment under the Defense Base Act. Meaning, you can have 95% pre-existing condition and 5% caused by the DBA injury and it is all compensable. With computer data bases available to the insurance comapies today, you will get nailed if you try and hide a prior claim or injury.


11. Free choice of physician


Don't blow your free choice of physician. You get one free choice physician under the DBA. Don't select the wrong doctor. Never, ever chose a doctor suggested by the DBA insurance adjuster.


12. Tell your doctor about your job


Be sure to explain to your stateside doctor the work you did. Explain you had to wear body armor or explain the road conditions, etc. Show your doctor photographs if need be. It is important for your doctor to understand the rigors of Defense Base Act employment.


13. Say "No" to the nurse case manager


Don't allow the insurance company nurse case manager to go into the examination room with your doctor. Politely ask them to wait in the waiting room. The nurse case manager's job is to save the insurance company money - - not help you.


14. Product defects


If a defective product was involved in your injury, get photographs of the product. Write down and try to document with photos, the make, model, serial number of the defective product. Try and find our who owns or leases the product. Get any government identifying numbers for the product.


15. Don't take legal advice from the Defense Base Act adjsuter


You are at war with the insurance company. They are trained to be nice to you so you will trust them. The adjuster will sweet talk you while they take your money. Happens all the time. Don't ever hire a lawyer suggested to you by the DBA adjuster or nurse case manager. They want you to hire someone they can "work with." Guess who will get "worked over" if you do?

Defense Base Act Lawyer - Defense Base Act Attorney - Bill Turley


Northern California Office

425 California St. 18th Floor
San Francisco, California, 94104
866-963-0540

Los Angeles Office

3255 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1801
Los Angeles, California 90010
866-963-0540

San Diego Office

625 Broadway, Suite 625
San Diego, California 92101
619-234-2833

Defense Base Act Lawyer - Defense Base Act Attorney

Defense Base Act Law - 15 Essential Tips For Defense Base Act Claims I must readingDBA, must reading Defense Base Act


We can help you right now

We stand up to the Defense Base Act insurance company that is trying to keep you from getting needed medical treatment and weekly compensation benefits.


619-234-2833 or toll free at 866-963-0540 or e-mail us at this web site.



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The Turley Law Firm
626 Broadway, Suite 625
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 234-2833
Fax: (619) 234-4048
Toll Free: 866-963-0540


The San Diego, California personal injury law firm of The Turley Law Firm serves clients across  Southern California area. We give you straight talk about your legal options. We have handled cases from San Diego to Imperial Beach to Oceanside to Escondido to El Cajon, everywhere in between, such as: Alpine, Camp Pendleton, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado,  Del Mar, Eastlake, Encinitas, La Mesa, La Costa, La Jolla, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Mission Bay, NAS San Diego, National City, Naval Station San Diego, North Island, North County, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Port of San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, San Diego Harbor, Santee, Solana Beach, South Bay, Spring Valley, Vista.

We handle cases across California, including: Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, Imperial County, Los Angeles County, and Ventura County, Colorado River, Mexico, Cabo, Pacific Ocean and all the Oceans and waterways across California and the World.


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William Turley

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