Defense Base Act Attorney Serving California

Name: Defense Base Act
Brand: Military Justice Attorneys
Rating: 5 (44 reviews)

Contractors supporting U.S. missions deserve strong protection when injuries threaten their health, income, and long-term stability.

Support When Overseas Injuries Disrupt Your Life

Civilian contractors working for U.S. agencies often return home to California facing significant pain, uncertainty, and financial pressure after an overseas injury. Many previously lived or trained near Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, Twentynine Palms, Naval Base San Diego, NAS Lemoore, Travis AFB, Vandenberg SFB, Fort Irwin, and other installations throughout the state.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps injured contractors secure the compensation they deserve under the Defense Base Act (DBA). We understand insurer tactics, federal procedures, and the realities of dangerous contracting environments.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation program covering contractors injured while supporting U.S. military or government operations abroad. It provides medical care, wage replacement, disability benefits, and compensation for long-term impairments or loss of earning capacity.

The DBA incorporates rules from the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Its regulations can be reviewed through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations at https://www.ecfr.gov, while the Department of Labor’s Longshore Program at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc outlines procedures, forms, and filing requirements.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Defense Base Act Claims

Representation Against Insurer Denial Tactics. Insurers frequently dispute work-relatedness or minimize injury severity. We prepare evidence-driven rebuttals to strengthen your case.
Accurate Evaluation of Medical and Wage Claims. We ensure your disability rating, wage calculations, and medical assessments reflect the true impact of your injuries.
Support for California-Based Contractors Returning From Abroad. We help clients overcome delays, communication barriers, and documentation challenges common in overseas injury cases.

Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for DBA benefits if you were injured while performing contract work for the United States outside the country, including construction, aviation, logistics, base support, security, intelligence, or humanitarian roles. Injuries may involve accidents, cumulative trauma, hearing loss, or psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress or anxiety.

Many contractors mistakenly believe they are ineligible because of employer statements or insurer resistance. If your injury affects your ability to work, requires long-term treatment, or causes financial strain, seeking legal guidance can help ensure full benefits are secured.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our defense base act attorneys are all former military officers who served on active duty. We work as a team on your case, leveraging each of our attorneys’ unique perspectives and vast experience to win on your behalf.

Gerry Healy

Owner and Founder

Gerry founded Military Justice Attorneys to provide service members with principled, trial-tested defense rooted in firsthand experience inside the military justice system.

Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps
Recognized Criminal Defense Attorney and Litigator
Represents Military Community in Complex Mass Torts

Josh Hill

Managing Partner

Josh oversees the firm’s military justice practice, bringing a strategic and detail-driven approach to complex litigation, appeals, and high-stakes administrative matters.

Former Military Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
Admitted to Practice in all Military Appellate Courts
Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing

Chip Hodge

Partner

Chip draws on senior-level military justice experience to advise and defend service members facing courts-martial, investigations, and career-altering administrative actions.

Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel
Served as Deputy SJA, Marine Forces Reserve
Deployed to Afghanistan in Support of OEF

Paul Murray

Partner

Paul represents contractors injured while working overseas in support of US agencies and forces, combining significant litigation experience with a deep commitment to helping injured workers.

Former Major in the U.S. Marine Corps
Admitted to the Bar in South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois

Jon Shelburne

Senior Counsel

Jon brings decades of courtroom and appellate experience, focusing on serious criminal allegations and complex military justice matters worldwide.

30+ Years of Trial Experience
Co-Chair, Veterans Committee for Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Amy Thomas

Of Counsel

Amy provides strategic counsel on military and employment-related matters, informed by senior leadership experience and advanced legal training.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps
Master's in Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law

The Defense Base Act Process What to Expect

Step One: Injury Reporting and Initial Medical Care

After reporting your injury to your employer, the first priority is receiving appropriate medical treatment. Documenting symptoms early is essential because insurers often argue injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to contract duties.

Step Two: Filing the Claim and Gathering Evidence

A formal claim is submitted to the Department of Labor with medical documentation, wage statements, and employment records. The Longshore Program at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc explains the required forms, deadlines, and evidence standards for effective filing.

Step Three: Responding to Insurer Challenges

Insurers may contest whether injuries occurred during covered employment, dispute medical findings, or undervalue wage calculations. We gather expert opinions, additional records, and supporting evidence to counter these challenges effectively.

Step Four: Conferences, Hearings, or Settlement Negotiation

If disagreements remain, the case may proceed to informal conferences or hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. We prepare comprehensive filings, cross-examinations, and settlement evaluations to protect your health and financial future.

After Your Defense Base Act Case What Comes Next

Even after benefits begin, ongoing requirements such as updated medical reports, wage documentation, or insurer-requested evaluations can affect long-term compensation. Many contractors face continued uncertainty about treatment access or return-to-work expectations.

Some eventually pursue settlements once their medical condition stabilizes. Others transition care from overseas facilities to specialists in California. MJA guides clients through these post-award concerns to ensure ongoing protection and proper benefit management.

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Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

View All Testimonials

"The Government Came to Bury Me, Josh Hill Buried Their Case Instead"

If you’re reading this review,...

"If you’re reading this review, there’s a fair chance you’re in trouble with the military. The answer is YES—hire Josh Hill. He is worth every penny and more. Don’t gamble with your VA benefits, your military pension, or your freedom. You only get one shot at defending your future. Trust me, this is the guy you want in your corner. When I first hired Josh Hill as my civilian military lawyer, I was staring down a mountain: 28 specifications across 6 charges in a military court-martial. The government basically made a giant mud ball, threw it at the wall, and waited to see what would stick. The stakes couldn’t have been higher—my freedom, my career, my reputation, and my benefits were all on the line. But from day one, Josh brought unmatched experience, surgical strategy, and a level of confidence that gave me hope when I needed it most. Josh Hill is a master of his craft. He navigated the UCMJ like a seasoned warrior—dissecting every allegation, exposing every weakness in the government’s case, and challenging every false assumption thrown my way. His preparation was meticulous, his presence in court was commanding, and his cross-examinations were absolutely relentless. He left no stone unturned and no argument unanswered. Because of Josh’s leadership, we went from what felt like an impossible situation to walking out of that courtroom not guilty on all charges. That wasn’t just a win—it was a total and complete vindication. And it’s 100% because of Josh Hill’s commitment, brilliance, and refusal to let the government steamroll me. Josh Hill didn’t just defend me—he saved my life. I will forever be in his debt for the sacrifices he made and the time he dedicated to my case. One last note: When he calls—ANSWER IT. Drop what you're doing, it can wait. That phone call might be the one thing that changes your future. If you want to hear my story firsthand, Josh has my permission to give you my contact info. I’ll gladly tell you exactly how he absolutely destroyed the government’s case, so I can continue with my life."
-STAFF SERGEANT, USMC

"He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom."

My career, my life, my futu...

I know Mr Healy quite well. He represented me in a case where the odds were stacked against me. This was the most difficult time of my life considering some other circumstances that were added on. However, he fought for me tooth and nail even though his caseload was very high at the time. It seemed he devoted every ounce of effort to find me justice and in the end, because of his efforts, I was fully acquitted of several charges.
I will never forget that feeling for as long as I live. Upon the announcement of the verdict I nearly collapsed. My career, my life, my future was completely in his hands and he took it as seriously as I did. He is an articulate pitbull in the courtroom. I highly recommend his services if you expect to have any chance of seeing the justice you truly deserve.

-Corporal, USMC

"Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me"

Mr. Hodge was relentless in hi...

Mr. Hodge was relentless in his defense of me . . . and absolved me of any wrongdoing under the UCMJ.
-Corporal, USMC

"His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented."

Josh is a hard nosed and dedic...

Josh is a hard nosed and dedicated attorney that will stand by you every step of the way in your defense. His dedication to me as a client was unprecedented.
-Staff Sergeant, USA

"I would hire them again in a heartbeat."

Gerry and Josh are absolute pr...

Gerry and Josh are absolute professional monsters in the courtroom. I would hire them again in a heartbeat and wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner!
-Private First Class, USA

"I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding."

Mr. Hill tore apart the govern...

Mr. Hill tore apart the government's theory piece by piece . . . I trusted him with my career on the line, and he was outstanding.
-Petty Officer Third Class, USN

"I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands."

Gerry Healy is an outstandi...

Gerry Healy is an outstanding attorney. In the courtroom he is confident, knowledgeable, and aggressive. I would not want my fate in anyone else’s hands.
-Airman First Class, USAF

Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our defense base act lawyers are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive experience navigating federal administrative systems. We understand contracting environments and the legal framework that governs DBA benefits for injured contractors returning to California.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have successfully represented contractors worldwide in claims involving serious injuries, insurer denial tactics, and disputed compensation. Our evidence-focused strategy ensures your medical needs and wage loss are accurately documented and fully presented.

Dedicated Support for Contractors

California clients receive direct access to experienced attorneys who provide clear guidance at each stage of the process. We help eliminate uncertainty, improve case organization, and reduce stress during a challenging recovery.

We deliver disciplined, mission-driven advocacy to protect your health, compensation, and long-term stability.

Defense Base Act Attorney Serving California FAQs

How quickly should I report an injury to preserve my DBA rights?

You should report your injury as soon as possible. Prompt reporting creates a clear record and prevents insurers from arguing that the injury was unrelated to your overseas duties.

What benefits does the Defense Base Act provide?

The DBA offers medical treatment, lost wage compensation, and disability benefits. The amount and duration depend on the severity of your injury and whether you can return to similar work.

Can psychological injuries qualify under the DBA?

Yes. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression are compensable when caused by work-related events or exposure.

What if my DBA claim is denied by the insurance company?

A denial can often be overturned. Many claims succeed after additional evidence is submitted or after a hearing before an administrative law judge.

When should I hire a DBA attorney in California?

You should consult an attorney as soon as you experience challenges with treatment authorization, wage benefits, or claim denials. Early guidance helps protect your rights and strengthens your case.

Secure the Benefits You Have Earned

You do not have to navigate the DBA process alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.