Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Germany

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

Civilian contractors injured overseas face complex legal challenges that can threaten their health, income, and long-term security.

Clear Answers When You Feel Overwhelmed

Suffering an injury while working as a U.S. contractor in Germany often brings uncertainty, especially when employers or insurers minimize the severity of your condition. Whether you work near Ramstein, Spangdahlem, USAG Bavaria, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden, Rheinland-Pfalz, Ansbach, or Garmisch, you may qualify for compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA).

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA) help contractors navigate this federal system. As former Marine Judge Advocates, we understand overseas work environments, insurer tactics, and the evidence needed to secure the medical treatment and income support you deserve.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation program covering U.S. contractors injured while supporting American missions abroad. It applies to individuals working on military installations, construction projects, logistical operations, aviation support, intelligence roles, and security missions.

The Department of Labor administers the DBA, and its requirements appear in Longshore Act regulations, which can be reviewed through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations at https://www.ecfr.gov. These rules determine who is covered, how claims are filed, and what benefits may be awarded.

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

Experienced Guidance Through a Complex System. DBA claims involve federal regulations, insurer strategies, and strict documentation requirements. An experienced attorney ensures every filing meets legal standards and strengthens your position from the start.
A Strategic Approach to Challenging Insurer Tactics. Insurers often dispute injury severity, wage calculations, or work-related status. We counter these efforts with detailed evidence, expert opinions, and clear legal analysis grounded in DBA precedent.
Support Tailored to Overseas Workers. Contractors in Germany face unique barriers: language differences, unfamiliar medical systems, and limited access to specialists. We help coordinate evaluations and secure the documentation needed to prove your claim.

Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for DBA benefits if you were injured while supporting U.S. missions, even if your employer or insurer suggests otherwise. This includes injuries sustained during aircraft maintenance, logistics operations, construction support, communications work, security duties, and administrative roles tied to American installations.

DBA also applies to gradual or cumulative trauma injuries such as chronic back pain, joint damage, repetitive-use injuries, or hearing loss. Psychological conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, or depression caused by overseas duty, may also qualify when supported by medical evaluations. If your injury affects your ability to work, return home, or obtain proper treatment in Germany, it is essential to seek legal guidance immediately.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our 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 Evaluation

Your employer must be notified of the injury, and medical treatment should begin as soon as possible. Early documentation is critical because insurers often challenge when and how injuries occurred. Accurate reporting strengthens every stage of the claim.

Step Two: Filing the Claim and Gathering Evidence

A formal DBA claim is submitted to the Department of Labor, supported by medical evaluations, wage information, and job-related documentation. Regulations governing this step appear on the Department of Labor website at https://www.dol.gov. Careful preparation prevents delays or denial.

Step Three: Responding to Insurer Challenges

Insurers commonly dispute causation, disability levels, or wage calculations. We respond by gathering expert opinions, identifying errors in insurer assessments, and preparing legal arguments that demonstrate why benefits are owed under federal standards.

Step Four: Conferences and Hearings if Needed

If the insurer refuses to agree to appropriate benefits, the case may proceed to an informal conference or a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. We prepare comprehensive submissions, challenge improper assertions, and present evidence supporting your right to compensation.

After Your Defense Base Act Case What Comes Next

Even after benefits begin, insurers may seek periodic updates, independent medical examinations, or wage documentation. These requests can influence long-term compensation, so legal guidance remains important. Some contractors may also require assistance transitioning care from German medical facilities to treatment providers in the United States. Others may pursue settlement negotiations once their condition stabilizes. MJA supports clients through these follow-on phases, ensuring benefits continue without unnecessary interruption.

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 attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive administrative and federal claims experience. We understand the operational environments contractors work in and the legal framework that governs injury compensation under the DBA, including the unique challenges of being stationed overseas.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We build strong, evidence-driven cases that address medical needs, wage calculations, and long-term disability considerations. We anticipate insurer tactics, prepare detailed rebuttals, and ensure each submission aligns with Department of Labor expectations for successful outcomes.

Dedicated Support for Service Members

Clients in Germany receive direct access to an experienced attorney who understands the stress of navigating injury, lost income, and uncertain recovery. We provide steady communication, clear guidance, and strategic solutions tailored to the realities of overseas assignments.

We deliver disciplined, informed advocacy to protect your health, earnings, and future after an injury abroad.

Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Germany FAQs

Can I choose my own doctor for treatment in Germany?

Yes. DBA claimants may select their treating physician, even while stationed overseas. Insurers may push preferred providers, but you have the legal right to choose qualified medical care.

Does the DBA cover psychological conditions like PTSD or anxiety?

Yes. Mental health conditions caused or worsened by overseas work may be compensable when documented by medical professionals. Psychological injuries often require strong evidence to counter insurer skepticism.

What if my DBA claim is denied?

You can appeal. Many denials result from incomplete evidence or insurer strategies, and strong legal representation often leads to successful reconsideration or negotiation.

Does the DBA apply to injuries that developed gradually?

Yes. Cumulative trauma injuries, such as chronic pain or repetitive strain, commonly qualify. Medical documentation linking the condition to your job duties is essential.

When should I contact an attorney?

Immediately after an injury. Early guidance protects your rights, ensures proper documentation, and strengthens your claim before insurers begin challenging your case.

Protect Your Health and Your Compensation

If you were injured while supporting U.S. missions in Germany, you do not have to manage the DBA process alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.