Support When Overseas Injuries Threaten Your Future

Contractors working on American installations in Italy often experience sudden injuries that disrupt employment, health, and financial security. Whether you work at USAG Vicenza, Caserma Ederle, Caserma Del Din, Camp Darby, NSA Naples, NAS Sigonella, Aviano Air Base, NRTF Niscemi, or San Vito dei Normanni Air Station, navigating the Defense Base Act (DBA) alone can feel overwhelming.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA) assist contractors worldwide in securing compensation for injuries sustained while supporting U.S. missions. As former Marine Judge Advocates, we understand the realities of overseas work and the strategies insurers use to deny legitimate claims.

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What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation program providing medical care and wage compensation for civilian contractors injured while supporting U.S. military or government operations abroad. It applies to construction teams, security personnel, aviation workers, logistics professionals, translators, and many others.

The DBA incorporates key provisions of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Regulations governing these claims appear in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations at https://www.ecfr.gov. The Department of Labor (DOL) also oversees the claims process, and resources are available at https://www.dol.gov.

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

  • Experienced Representation Against Insurer Tactics. Insurers frequently dispute injury severity or employment status. We counter these strategies using clear evidence, expert support, and legal authority.
  • Comprehensive Case Development. We help gather medical records, wage data, witness statements, and occupational evidence to build a strong, well-documented claim.
  • Support Tailored to Overseas Contractors. Living and working in Italy adds challenges related to medical access, language, and documentation. We help overcome these barriers to secure rightful compensation.
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Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for DBA benefits if you were injured while performing duties for a U.S. contractor in Italy, even if your employer or insurer suggests otherwise. Injuries can include falls, equipment accidents, hearing loss, chronic back problems, repetitive-use injuries, or psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress or anxiety resulting from overseas work.

DBA protections apply regardless of nationality, though most claimants are U.S. citizens or former military personnel working abroad. If your injury affects your ability to perform duties or requires long-term medical care, legal representation can help ensure you receive full, timely benefits.

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
Gerry Healy

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
Josh Hill

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
Chip Hodge

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
Paul Murray

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
Jon Shelburne

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
Amy Thomas
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The Defense Base Act Process What to Expect

Step One: Injury Reporting and Medical Treatment

After an injury occurs, it must be reported to your employer, and you should seek medical evaluation immediately. Early documentation is critical because insurers often argue that injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to job duties.

Step Two: Filing the Claim and Gathering Evidence

A formal claim is filed with the Department of Labor, supported by medical evidence, wage statements, and contract-related documentation. The DOL’s Longshore Program guidance at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc helps shape the requirements and timelines for proper filing.

Step Three: Responding to Insurer Challenges

Insurers may question whether injuries occurred on duty, dispute medical findings, or minimize wage-loss calculations. We respond by collecting additional evidence, identifying inconsistencies, and preparing legal arguments grounded in federal regulations.

Step Four: Conferences, Hearings, and Negotiation

If disputes persist, the case may proceed to informal conferences or hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. We prepare detailed filings, cross-examination strategies, and settlement evaluations to protect your health and financial stability.

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After Your Defense Base Act Case What Comes Next

Receiving benefits is only part of the process. Insurers may request periodic reports, independent medical examinations, or updated wage information. These steps can affect compensation and long-term access to care. Some contractors eventually pursue settlement options once their medical condition stabilizes. Others transition care from Italian providers to specialists in the United States. MJA guides clients through these follow-on issues 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
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive administrative, federal claims, and overseas experience. We understand contractor environments and how to navigate the legal framework that governs DBA cases.

Proven Results and Strategic Defense

We have successfully represented contractors worldwide in cases involving severe injuries, disputed claims, and insurer denial tactics. Our evidence-based approach ensures that your injuries, employment status, and wage calculations are thoroughly supported.

Dedicated Support for Contractors

Clients working in Italy receive direct access to experienced counsel who provide consistent communication and reliable guidance despite distance and time-zone differences. We help eliminate uncertainty and restore stability during a difficult period.

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Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Italy FAQs

Can I choose my own doctor in Italy?

Yes. DBA claimants may select their treating physician, even when stationed overseas. Insurers may suggest preferred doctors, but they cannot force you to use them.

Does the DBA cover psychological conditions from overseas work?

Yes. PTSD, anxiety, and other psychological injuries may qualify if medically supported. These claims often require strong documentation to counter the insurer's doubt.

What if my employer says my injury is not job-related?

Insurers frequently dispute causation. Legal representation helps demonstrate how and why the injury is work-related and ensures proper evidence is collected.

Can my DBA claim be denied?

Yes, but denials are often reversible. Many cases succeed on appeal once additional evidence and legal analysis are provided to challenge the insurer’s position.

When should I contact a DBA attorney?

Immediately after an injury. Early guidance helps preserve your rights, strengthen your evidence, and prevent costly mistakes during the claims process.

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Secure the Benefits You Deserve

If you suffered an injury while working for a U.S. contractor in Italy, you do not have to face the DBA process alone. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.

Contact Us When Your Future Is On The Line

Our decentralized approach to military defense ensures that we can represent service members from any branch of the military, of any rank, at any military base or installation stateside or abroad.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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