If you’ve been injured while working under a Defense Base Act (DBA) contract or in a maritime role, your ability to collect full compensation depends heavily on the strength of your documentation. Without the right paperwork, even valid claims can be delayed, denied, or undervalued.
At Templer & Hirsch, we’ve helped countless injured workers protect their rights under the Defense Base Act and maritime law. We know what it takes to present a compelling claim—and it starts with these seven essential documents.
Whether you’re a civilian contractor injured overseas or a seafarer hurt on the job, make sure you gather and organize the records below. These documents can make or break your case.
Key Points
- Accurate documentation is critical to proving liability and damages in both DBA and maritime injury claims.
- Certain documents must be submitted within strict legal deadlines.
- Missing paperwork can significantly reduce or eliminate your compensation.
- Legal help from Templer & Hirsch ensures you’re prepared with the right documents from day one.
One of the most critical documents in any DBA or maritime injury claim is the initial report of injury. This report provides a written record of when, where, and how the injury occurred.
What to include:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Names of witnesses
- A detailed description of what happened
- Specifics about the injury sustained
Why it matters:
This report serves as the foundation for your claim. Without it, insurance carriers or employers may argue the injury never occurred or wasn’t work-related.
Tip:
Submit your report as soon as possible. Under DBA law, timely reporting is not optional—it’s a requirement.
Your medical records will provide the evidence of your injury’s severity, the treatment you’ve received, and the projected timeline for recovery. This is essential to calculating the true value of your claim.
You’ll need:
- Emergency room notes
- Follow-up visit summaries
- Imaging results (X-rays, MRIs, etc.)
- Surgical reports, if applicable
- Physical therapy documentation
- Work restrictions or disability ratings
Why it matters:
Comprehensive medical documentation proves that your injury is legitimate, disabling, and requires ongoing care. Insurers often look for gaps or inconsistencies to discredit your claim.
Pro Tip:
Make sure your physician is aware that your injury is job-related and that this is clearly stated in your file.
Your employment contract or deployment orders establish the legal relationship between you and the employer, which is crucial in DBA cases.
This documentation should outline:
- Your role and responsibilities
- Location and duration of assignment
- The name of the contractor/employer
- The nature of the work (military support, security, logistics, etc.)
Why it matters:
In DBA claims, proving that you were working under a government contract outside the U.S. is fundamental. In maritime cases, your duties and location may affect whether the Jones Act or general maritime law applies.
Your compensation is largely based on average weekly wages at the time of injury. You must prove your income to receive fair benefits.
Gather:
- Pay stubs from the last 12 months
- Bank statements showing direct deposits
- Tax returns (if pay stubs aren’t available)
Why it matters:
DBA benefits are tied directly to your earnings. Accurate wage records ensure you’re paid the correct compensation for lost wages.
Note:
In some cases, hazard pay or bonuses should be included—don’t leave out anything that could increase your total wage calculation.
Statements from coworkers, supervisors, or others who saw the incident can be extremely helpful in supporting your version of events.
A good witness statement should include:
- Full name and contact info of the witness
- A clear recounting of what they saw or heard
- The date and signature of the witness
Why it matters:
When an employer or insurer disputes your account, witness statements add credibility and clarity to your claim. In high-conflict cases, these statements can be a deciding factor.
Every email, letter, or text message exchanged with your employer or insurance carrier could be valuable evidence.
Keep records of:
- Email threads about your injury
- Notifications about time off or modified duty
- Communications about claims approval or denial
- Any refusals to provide treatment or benefits
Why it matters:
This kind of documentation can demonstrate bad faith, delay tactics, or failure to comply with legal obligations. It also shows a timeline of how your case progressed, which can help in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
7. Filed DBA or Maritime Injury Claim Forms
Finally, your formal claim paperwork is essential to moving your case forward.
For DBA claims:
- LS-201 (Notice of Employee’s Injury)
- LS-203 (Employee’s Claim for Compensation)
For maritime claims:
- Company incident forms
- Any claim documents filed under the Jones Act or general maritime law
Why it matters:
Filing errors or omissions can delay your benefits or result in claim denial. The proper filing of these documents within deadlines is a legal necessity.
Need help filing?
Let the legal team at Templer & Hirsch ensure your forms are complete, accurate, and filed on time.
Missing, incomplete, or incorrect documentation can result in:
- Delayed payments
- Lower compensation
- Claim denial
- Legal disputes with your employer or insurer
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to limit payouts, not maximize your recovery. The more organized and comprehensive your documentation, the stronger your negotiating position.
How Templer & Hirsch Can Help
At Templer & Hirsch, we specialize in representing injured workers under the Defense Base Act and maritime injury law. Our attorneys can help you:
- Gather and preserve essential evidence
- Navigate complex filing requirements
- Maximize your claim value
- Deal with insurance companies and their tactics
You don’t have to face this process alone. The sooner we’re involved, the better chance we have of protecting your rights and securing your compensation.
Final Thoughts
Getting injured on the job is hard enough. Don’t let poor documentation be the reason you don’t get the compensation you deserve. These seven key documents form the backbone of a successful DBA or maritime injury claim.
Start building your case today—and let Templer & Hirsch fight for the justice you deserve.
