If you’ve been injured while working overseas as a civilian contractor for the military, you’re likely entitled to benefits through the Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance program. However, navigating the complex system of DBA benefits can be difficult – that’s where a good DBA lawyer comes in.

But how do you know if you’re hiring the right lawyer? Here are 10 things to look for:

1. Experience

First and foremost, you want to ensure your lawyer has experience handling DBA cases. This is a niche area of law, so you don’t want to hire someone who is just “dabbling” in it. Look for a lawyer who has handled several DBA cases and has a good track record of success.

2. Knowledge of the System

The DBA insurance system is notoriously complex and bureaucratic. Your lawyer should have a good understanding of how the system works and be able to navigate it effectively on your behalf.

3. Communication Skills

Your lawyer should be good at communicating with you – keeping you updated on the status of your case, answering your questions, and so forth. You should never feel in the dark about what’s going on with your case.

4. Tenacity

You want a tenacious lawyer who will fight for you and not back down in the face of adversity. Your lawyer should be prepared to take your case all the way to trial if necessary.

5. A Good Reputation

You should always check out your lawyer’s reputation before hiring them. Ask around to see if anyone you know has used their services and whether they would recommend them. You can also look for online reviews of the lawyer’s services.

6. Reasonable Fees

You don’t want to be overcharged for your lawyer’s services. Make sure you understand the upfront fees and that they are reasonable given the work that will need to be done on your case.

7. A Good Team

A good lawyer is not always a one-man or woman show – they should have a team of paralegals and support staff working on your case. This ensures that your case is getting the attention it deserves and that you have multiple people working on your behalf.

8. Available When You Need Them

You should be able to get in touch with your lawyer when you need to – whether it’s by phone, email, or in person. They should be responsive to your inquiries and available to meet with you when necessary.

9. Willing to Go the Extra Mile

A good lawyer is not afraid to go the extra mile for their clients. This might mean working on your case outside of normal business hours or taking on a case that is outside of their usual area of practice.

10. Good at Negotiating

Your lawyer should be good at negotiating on your behalf – whether it’s with the insurance company or in court. They should be able to get you the best possible outcome for your case.

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 or someone you know has been injured while working for a civilian contractor overseas, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.