In case it all goes pete tong

I

ISD

Longterm Registered User
Many of us are familiar with DBA (Defence Base Act) insurance for contractors deployed in Iraq, Afghan etc on US Contracts / subcontracts. However more and more operators are unaware of how to claim and how a few pre-deployment measures can make the process less stressful (and swifter).

This isn't an anti insurer gripe just a few helpful hints, any insurer will try to minimise thier payouts by loss adjustment and the following are a few hints to help crack the system.

1. Thorough Pre deployment medical including audiogram. This will help prove your state of health prior to deployment to avoid the accusation that you had PTSD, hearing loss or lack of mobility prior to taking up a contract.

2. If you are injured, inform your employer ASAP. Do not rely on the project manager / medic to do it for you.

3. File form LS 201 with your employer and with US Dept of Labor. This must be done within 30 days so may be worth downloading the form and keeping a copy on your hard drive.
Information available via
U.S. Department of Labor - - Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) - Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation (DLHWC) -

3. If you need to make a claim because you cannot work you must then file form LS 203 (available via the same link).

4. Retain every piece of information / paperwork you are given. Record the Medic/Doctor/Nurses name and a point of contact. Get them to provide you with copies of any records they complete. (you may need these to prove the accident / injury ever occured in the first place)

Any queries, questions etc can be answered via the DoL FAQ page: U.S. Department of Labor - - Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) - Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation (DLHWC) -

Remeber where we put the plates, one in front, one in rear and one down the trousers.... cover your arse boys and girls because no one else will.
 
Excellent post, there are hoops to jump through and potential issues on the way.

Ref point 2 you need to ensure the employer/ contractor reports the incident ASAP as months later it is so much harder for incidents to be remembered and then get recorded and dealt with!

Our colleagues in London have considerable experience in this sector and we are pleased to acknowledge the support of members of CP World. We recognise the forum is a community and would try to assist any forum member where possible in a claims situtation in the US using our contacts.

James Clarke
[url]www.cpsis.co.uk[/URL]
 
Thanks for the supportive comments CJ-Protect, you are so right about employers notifying thier insurance carriers. Very worth while remembering that it will be the US/London/Dubai etc office that deals with claims and they will not be aware if a slack manager feels an incident is not worth reporting. Injury or not.

For the benefit of the other members, do you or any others on the firum have any details of UK based solicitors that deal with overseas DBA claims? Much of the feed back I have had from colleagues that have claimed under DBA is that they have no representation. Those that offer it via the US are generally low grade ambulance chasers looking for a fast buck rather than getting the right support package for the operator.
 
Following my earlier post, I have contact details for a DBA attorney in New Jersey who comes highly reccomended. Even DoL were happy to confirm that he has worked "very successfully" with them in the past.

Without wanting to infringe the advertising policies, if anyone needs contact details please feel free to drop me a PM and I will be happy to pass details on.

ISD
 
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