Dealing with nurse case managers in Defense Base Act claims sometimes can be beneficial, but at other times may not be in your best interests. If the nurse case manager is assisting you in scheduling of appointments, that is fine. However, you must watch to make sure that the nurse case manager is not working as an “investigator” for the …

At some point in the litigation process – from the time we file a request for trial to the trial date itself – an opportunity may arise for the Parties to attend mediation.  Mediation is an informal meeting between the Parties, moderated by a neutral attorney called a mediator (the mediator has no interest in the outcome of the case, …

Recently we have seen a rash of denials of Defense Base Act claims on the assertion that the injured worker did not notify the Employer of his accident or injuries. In order to ensure that your Employer is notified, please make sure to keep a copy of any and all documents reporting the injury. If you must, we would recommend …

I read an article today in The Washington Post concerning the seven Americans killed in Afghanistan on April 29, 2013 when their cargo plane crashed in Afghanistan.  This incident got me thinking about the death benefits for survivors available under the Defense Base Act. As we’ve already discussed, injuries or deaths that occur while working overseas pursuant to a U.S. …

In handling Defense Base Act claims both nationally and internationally, we very often do not see our clients until a deposition, Mediation or trial is scheduled. While our office is well equipped to handle both national and international claims through telephone contact, email, and Skype due to the nature of the practice, discovery and litigation are commenced while we are in …