KBR (Kellog Brown and Root) Defense Base Act (DBA) Claim Assistance

The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law that provides workers' compensation benefits to civilian contractors who are injured or killed while working on U.S. government contracts outside of the United States. If you are a civilian contractor who worked for Kellog Brown and Root (KBR) and have been injured or fallen ill, it's important to understand your rights under the DBA and how to file a claim for benefits.

About Kellog Brown and Root

Kellog Brown and Root (KBR) is a multinational engineering, construction, and services company, with services that range from complex engineering to cutting-edge operations. The company primarily serves the energy industry by providing construction and infrastructure services in some of the world's most challenging locations. KBR is based in Houston, Texas, USA, and has over 34 major facilities located around the globe that help deliver projects on time and on budget for their clients. While rooted in strong foundations of quality and safety, their team of experts strives to be innovative and forward-thinking in order to meet the ever-changing needs of their clients. The company prides itself on its experienced professionals who bring technical expertise through decades of experience, providing a wide array of critical services which supports many industries worldwide.

How To File A Claim Against Kellog Brown And Root

The first step in filing a DBA claim is to notify your employer, KBR, of your injury or illness as soon as possible. You should also seek medical treatment for your injury or illness. KBR is required to report any DBA claims to their insurance carrier, which will then handle the claim. In most cases however, the employer doesn't file a claim, leaving it up to a client and their legal co9unsel to file the appropriate paperwork in order to start a claim. It's important to keep in mind that the DBA claims process can be complex and time-consuming, and it's essential to gather all the necessary documentation, such as medical records and witness statements. The insurance carrier will investigate the incident and determine if your injury or illness is covered under the DBA. In order to be eligible for benefits, your injury or illness must have occurred while you were working on a U.S. government contract outside of the United States, and it must be related to your job duties.

The Stages Of A Defense Base Act Claim Against KBR

In order to understand and navigate a Defense Base Act claim, it is important to become familiar with the stages of a claim. Generally, there are 5 stages of a DBA claim that begin with filing an application for compensation and/or medical treatment with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Once the application has been filed, you need to submit to a physician-directed structured medical exam so that your doctor can investigate the extent of your injury or illness. The OWCP will then review your application and determine if further investigation is necessary. If granted, you will receive medical treatment benefits and wage replacement benefits, depending on what you are entitled to under the law. In addition, dependents may be entitled to certain benefits in some circumstances as well. The resolution of claim against KBR is generally done in the form of a settlement for the benefits mentioned above. Ultimately, after all legal remedies have been exhausted, any disputes between parties over the claim will be resolved through administrative federal litigation before an Administrative Judge adjudicating the case in front of an Administrative Law Judge at the U.S. Department Of Labor Office Of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) hearing proceedings.

How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Settlement?

Obtaining a settlement under the Defense Base Act regarding the injuries you sustained while working for KRB can take as little as six months. More complicated claims can take up to none months - and in some cases, even longer if the insurance adjuster refuses to handle the claim properly. A lawyer familiar with this act can provide guidance regarding what needs to be done in order to reach a settlement within a reasonable amount of time. All decisions are made by authorized officers at the Department of Labor or by judges assigned for this purpose so diligent follow up and persistence on behalf of the injured worker is definitely advised.

What Benefits Can Be Secured In A Claim?

When filing a claim under this act and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, the injured employee is entitled to have all medical expenses related to the injury paid for, including doctor's visits and hospital stays. Furthermore, lost wages can replaced up to two-thirds of their wages for an extended period. Client can also receive disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, medication evacuations, and lost wages. In addition to these financial benefits, the act also grants employees job security upon returning from injury by protecting their jobs until they are able to return. For a civilian contractor abroad, taking advantage of the benefits that come with filing a claim with The Defense Base Act is critical both financially and professionally.

However, it's important to note that the DBA claims process can be challenging, and it's important to work with an attorney who has experience handling DBA claims, especially if you are a contractor who worked for KBR. KBR has been involved in a number of controversies related to the treatment of its employees, and many contractors who worked for KBR have filed DBA claims for injuries and illnesses that they say were caused by the company's negligence. While KBR has denied these allegations, it's important for civilian contractors who worked for the company and are now seeking DBA benefits to be prepared to provide able evidence in order to strengthen their claim.

How A DBA Attorney Can Help You

A Defense Base Act attorney can help you navigate the claims process, ensure that your rights are protected, and gather and organize the necessary evidence to build a strong case. They can also represent you in court if your claim is denied or if you disagree with the amount of benefits offered.

Additionally, it's important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a DBA claim which is either one or two years from the date of the accident or the date you became aware of your injury. It's important to act quickly and contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.

In conclusion, if you are a civilian contractor who worked for KBR and have been injured or fallen ill, it's important to understand your rights under the DBA and how to file a claim for benefits. You might also be able to file a third-party claim if you were injured by the actions of KBR and were not employed by them. The DBA claims process can be complex and challenging, but working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. If you or a loved one has been injured while working for KBR, please don't hesitate to contact our firm, Sneed & Mitchell LLP, for a free and confidential consultation.