Support When an Overseas Injury Disrupts Your Life

A deployment-related injury can change everything—your health, your income, and your ability to return to work. Many civilian contractors in Kentucky don’t realize that the Defense Base Act (DBA) provides powerful federal protections, even when insurance companies attempt to delay, deny, or minimize claims.

Military Justice Attorneys represents U.S. citizen contractors across the globe, including former service members who transitioned into contracting roles after military life. When your injury, trauma, or illness threatens your livelihood, working with a Defense Base Act lawyer in Kentucky ensures you have an advocate who understands both the dangers of overseas work and the federal law designed to protect you.

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What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation statute that provides medical care, disability payments, and wage-loss benefits to civilian contractors injured while working overseas for the U.S. government or its contractors. The statute itself is codified at 42 U.S.C. §§ 1651–1654 and is publicly available through Cornell Law School at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/chapter-32. The DBA applies regardless of fault, covering traumatic injuries, occupational illnesses, psychological conditions, and injuries aggravated by deployment conditions.

Claims are administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, which explains DBA coverage and benefits at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc/dba. Claims are evaluated under standards derived from the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, the underlying framework for DBA claims, available at https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/33/chapter-18. Because contractors often encounter pushback from insurance carriers, experienced representation greatly improves your chances of receiving the full benefits you’re entitled to.

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

  • Early Intervention Prevents Delays and Denials - An attorney reviews your employment documents, medical records, and injury reports to ensure insurers comply with federal guidelines and cannot exploit gaps or procedural missteps.
  • Accurate Evaluation of Benefits and Disability Ratings - A Defense Base Act lawyer in Kentucky helps you understand wage-loss compensation, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and long-term medical coverage so you do not settle for less than your case is worth.
  • Protection From Insurance Company Tactics - Insurers may dispute whether your injury is work-related, send you to biased medical evaluations, or delay benefits. A skilled attorney pushes back, ensuring your rights are enforced.
  • Strategic Advocacy Throughout the Department of Labor Process - Whether negotiating a settlement or litigating before an administrative law judge, your attorney presents evidence clearly and decisively to secure the benefits the DBA provides.
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Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for DBA benefits if you were injured while working overseas as a civilian contractor supporting U.S. military operations, embassy work, construction, logistics, security, aviation, or other government-funded roles.

Many Kentucky contractors are former military personnel who accept contract assignments in high-risk environments. Others are specialized professionals who work on installations, forward operating bases, or U.S. government projects abroad.

The DBA applies to traumatic injuries, psychological conditions such as PTSD, repetitive-stress injuries, and illnesses linked to deployment. If you were injured overseas and are unsure whether you qualify, a Defense Base Act lawyer in Kentucky can evaluate your eligibility and explain your options.

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
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

1. Initial Claim Filing and Documentation

Your attorney ensures your claim is filed correctly, your medical care is documented, and your employer and insurer receive proper notice. Early accuracy prevents later disputes.

2. Insurance Review and Investigation

Carriers examine your injury, employment contract, and deployment conditions. They may challenge causation, disability status, or medical necessity. Standards outlined by the Department of Labor dictate what insurers must consider.

3. Formal Claim Proceedings and Negotiation

If benefits are delayed or denied, your attorney escalates the case to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, where mediation, discovery, and depositions may occur. Strong legal representation is critical at this stage.

4. Hearing or Settlement

If negotiations fail, the claim proceeds to a hearing before an administrative law judge. Your attorney presents evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments to secure appropriate disability compensation and medical benefits.

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After Your DBA Case What Comes Next

A successful claim may provide long-term disability payments, ongoing medical treatment, or a structured settlement. However, insurance companies may later attempt to reduce benefits or challenge future medical care.

Your attorney can intervene to enforce compliance, pursue additional compensation if your condition worsens, or challenge improper termination of benefits. Military Justice Attorneys remains available long after your initial claim to guide you through follow-up actions, reevaluations, or disputes.

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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
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Deep Military Justice Experience

Our attorneys are former Marine Corps Judge Advocates with extensive knowledge of federal administrative law, contractor injuries, and Department of Labor procedures.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have defended contractors worldwide, countering aggressive insurance tactics and securing compensation for clients injured in combat zones, hostile environments, and government installations.

Dedicated Support for Contractors

Clients receive direct attorney access, responsive communication, and a strategic team-based approach designed to maximize the strength of each claim.

Together, these strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted Defense Base Act attorney in Kentucky for injured contractors seeking justice and financial security.

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Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Kentucky FAQs

What types of injuries qualify for DBA benefits?

Traumatic injuries, repetitive-use injuries, mental health conditions, occupational illnesses, and aggravated preexisting conditions may all qualify if they are connected to overseas employment.

Can I see my own doctor under the DBA?

Yes. You have the right to choose your treating physician, which is critical when insurers attempt to send contractors to biased medical evaluations.

How long does a DBA case take?

Timelines vary. Some claims resolve quickly, while others require formal hearings. Cases involving disputed injuries or complex medical issues typically take longer.

What if the insurance company denies my claim?

Your attorney can escalate your case through the Department of Labor, pursue mediation, or prepare for a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Can psychological conditions like PTSD be covered under the DBA?

Yes. Mental health conditions linked to deployment or overseas service can be compensable when properly documented and supported.

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Get the Support You Need After an Overseas Injury

Schedule your confidential consultation today and speak with a Defense Base Act lawyer in Kentucky about securing the compensation and medical care you deserve.

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.

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