The United States Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the Defense Base Act (DBA), which provides workers’ compensation coverage for civilian workers employed by government contractors outside the United States. HVAC mechanics are among the many occupations covered by the DBA.

If you are an HVAC mechanic working for a government contractor outside the United States and you are injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits under the DBA.

How do HVAC mechanics qualify for benefits under the DBA?

To qualify for benefits under the DBA, an HVAC mechanic must be employed by a government contractor and must be injured while performing work on a U.S. military base or other facility covered by the DBA. The injury must arise out of and in the course of the HVAC mechanic’s employment.

Common Injuries That HVAC Mechanics Suffer on the Job

HVAC mechanics can suffer a variety of injuries on the job, including:

• Burns from contact with hot surfaces or chemicals
• Cuts and lacerations from contact with sharp objects
• Fractures and other broken bones from falls or being struck by heavy objects
• Sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries from lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive motions

Benefits Available to Injured HVAC Mechanics under the DBA

Injured HVAC mechanics may be eligible for a variety of benefits under the DBA, including:

• Medical expenses: The DBA provides for the payment of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred as a result of a work-related injury. This includes expenses for doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and other medical supplies and services.
• Disability benefits: The DBA provides for two types of disability benefits: temporary total disability (TTD) benefits and permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. TTD benefits are paid to workers who are unable to work due to their injuries. PPD benefits are paid to workers who have suffered a permanent partial disability as a result of their injuries.
• Death benefits: The DBA provides for death benefits to be paid to the surviving spouse, children, or other dependents of workers who are killed as a result of their work-related injuries.

How do I file a claim for benefits under the DBA?

If you are an HVAC mechanic who has been injured on the job, you should immediately notify your employer and seek medical attention. You or your employer will then need to file a claim for benefits with the OWCP.

DBA Lawyer for HVAC Mechanics

An experienced DBA lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive all of the benefits to which you are entitled. He or she can also help you if your claim is denied.

Javier Ruiz, Esq. has represented injured contractors from KBR, FLUOR , DynCorp, Vectrus and Labor Support Services who worked in Iraq and Afghanistan. Javier Ruiz, Esq. has represented contractors from India, Kosovo, Macedonia, the USA, Bosnia, and the Philippines.

If you are an HVAC mechanic who has been injured on the job, contact Javier Ruiz today to schedule a free consultation. He will review your case and advise you of your legal options.