Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Japan

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

Civilian contractors serving in Japan often face complex injuries that threaten their health, income, and long-term financial stability.

Trusted Help When an Overseas Injury Disrupts Your Life

Thousands of U.S. contractors support operations throughout Japan, from Yokota Air Base and Misawa Air Base in the north to Kadena Air Base, Camp Foster, Camp Hansen, Camp Courtney, Camp Schwab, and Camp Kinser in Okinawa. Many also work at Naval Base Yokosuka, NAF Atsugi, Naval Base Sasebo, White Beach Naval Facility, Camp Zama, and Torii Station.

When injuries occur, these workers rely on the Defense Base Act (DBA) for essential medical care and lost-wage benefits. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps contractors in Japan secure the compensation they deserve, even when insurers deny or delay rightful claims.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation law covering civilian contractors injured while supporting U.S. missions abroad. It provides medical treatment, wage replacement, and long-term disability coverage.

DBA requirements are governed by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and administered by the Department of Labor. Policy and procedural standards are outlined at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc, and regulatory details are maintained through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations at https://www.ecfr.gov.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for DBA Claims

Experienced Guidance Through a Complex System. We navigate federal filing requirements, medical documentation, and jurisdiction issues that often confuse injured contractors.
Skilled Response to Insurer Disputes. Insurers frequently deny claims, question medical findings, or minimize wage losses. We counter these tactics with structured, evidence-driven advocacy.
Representation from Attorneys Who Understand Military Operations. As former Judge Advocates, we understand the realities of life on bases like Kadena, Yokosuka, and Iwakuni, and how those conditions contribute to injuries.

Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

The DBA applies if you were injured while working overseas as a contractor supporting U.S. military operations, government agencies, or allied missions. Many contractors in Japan operate in demanding environments involving heavy equipment, aircraft support, security operations, logistics, and high-tempo work cycles.

Injuries may involve acute accidents, repetitive trauma, hearing loss, environmental strain, or stress-related conditions such as forms of post-traumatic stress. If your injury affects your ability to work or maintain earnings, a DBA claim may be appropriate.

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: Reporting the Injury and Obtaining Medical Care

Early reporting is essential. We help ensure your injury is documented accurately and guide you in securing medical care. Medical evidence forms the foundation of a strong claim, especially when insurers challenge causation or severity.

Step Two: Filing the Claim With the Department of Labor

We submit the formal DBA claim with supporting documents, medical records, and wage statements. The Department of Labor’s Longshore Program outlines the required forms and timelines at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc. Proper filing prevents delays and strengthens your case.

Step Three: Responding to Insurer Objections

Insurers often dispute whether the injury occurred “in the course of employment” or attempt to direct contractors to unfavorable medical evaluations. We counter these tactics with expert opinions, operational evidence, and factual documentation.

Step Four: Conferences, Hearings, or Settlement Negotiations

If disputes continue, the case may advance to informal conferences or formal hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. We prepare persuasive arguments, organize evidence packets, and negotiate outcomes that protect your long-term financial and medical interests.

After Your Defense Base Act Case What Comes Next

Even after benefits begin, contractors may face ongoing wage calculations, medical evaluations, or insurer attempts to reduce compensation. Some contractors consider settlement after reaching medical stability, while others continue treatment for extended periods. MJA guides clients through post-resolution decisions, ensuring their medical needs and income stability remain protected. Our support continues as long as the claim requires attention.

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Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"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

As former Marine Judge Advocates, our attorneys understand military operations, contractor roles, and overseas working conditions. This background allows us to present your injury within the full context of base environments like Kadena, Yokota, and Iwakuni.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have helped contractors worldwide secure compensation in cases involving complex injuries, delayed symptoms, disputed causation, and long-term disabilities. Our strategic approach emphasizes thorough preparation and strong legal reasoning.

Dedicated Support for Contractors in Japan

Clients receive direct communication with experienced attorneys, not case managers. We coordinate across time zones and provide steady guidance throughout filing, evidence collection, hearings, and settlement evaluation. We deliver mission-focused advocacy that protects your health, livelihood, and financial future.

Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Japan FAQs

Do I qualify for DBA benefits if symptoms appeared after I left Japan?

Yes. Many injuries develop or worsen later, especially joint issues, back problems, or stress-related symptoms. As long as evidence connects the condition to your work overseas, you may still qualify.

Can the insurer make me see their doctor?

Insurers may request an evaluation, but you retain the right to choose your treating physician. Your doctor’s opinion carries significant weight in long-term benefits decisions.

What if my employer claims the injury occurred off duty?

Even off-duty injuries may qualify if they occurred in locations or circumstances tied to your contract. Legal review often reveals coverage employers initially deny.

How long does a DBA claim take?

Timelines vary. Some cases resolve within months; others require hearings. Early legal involvement helps prevent delays and improves your position.

Secure the Benefits You Deserve After an Overseas Injury

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