Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is one of the most common and hardest conditions faced by civilian contractors who work in war zones and other dangerous places overseas. The Defense Base Act covers PTSD and other mental health injuries that come from overseas government contract work, but insurance companies fight these claims all the time. The DBA PTSD lawyers at Templer & Hirsch work to make sure you get the mental health benefits you deserve. In our experience, these claims are denied far more often than physical injury claims, not because the trauma isn't real, but because the insurer is betting you'll give up before the medical evidence is fully documented.
DBA Coverage for PTSD
The Defense Base Act covers mental health injuries, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, that come out of your overseas government contract work. You do not need a physical injury to qualify for DBA benefits for PTSD. Living through combat, seeing traumatic events, or facing life-threatening situations can all be the basis for a valid DBA PTSD claim.
Why DBA PTSD Claims Are Frequently Denied
Insurance companies turn down DBA PTSD claims more often than physical injury claims. They often argue that the PTSD was there before the job, that your work did not expose you to enough trauma, that the diagnosis is not backed by medical proof, or that you are still able to work. We know how to answer each of these arguments and build a strong case for your PTSD benefits. Learn what the evidence looks like in our guide to proving your PTSD claim under the Defense Base Act.
What Benefits Are Available?
A successful DBA PTSD claim can pay for medical treatment such as therapy and psychiatric care, temporary total and partial disability benefits, permanent disability compensation, and job retraining. In cases where PTSD leads to death by suicide, death benefits may be available for surviving dependents. A DBA PTSD claim can be worth a great deal. Use our free DBA Settlement Calculator to get an idea of your potential benefits.
Getting Help
If you are living with PTSD or other mental health injuries from your overseas contractor work, you do not have to take on the insurance company alone. Templer & Hirsch offers free, private consultations for DBA PTSD claims and works on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today to talk about your claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured, the most important step you can take is to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Call Templer & Hirsch today for a free, confidential consultation. We are ready to help.