Defense Base Act Attorney for Military Academy Graduates

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

Protecting former cadets serving as civilian contractors overseas.

Legal Protection When Overseas Injuries Change Your Path

Many former cadets and midshipmen from the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy go on to serve as civilian contractors supporting U.S. missions abroad. These roles often place them in high-risk environments where injuries can significantly disrupt their careers.

Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, represents academy alumni and former students seeking compensation under the Defense Base Act (DBA). We understand the operational demands of contracting work and the challenges graduates face when recovering from complex injuries.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation system covering contractors injured while supporting U.S. operations outside the United States. Injuries may involve accidents, repetitive-use conditions, hearing loss, or stress-related impacts that affect long-term function.

The DBA incorporates the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Regulations appear in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations at https://www.ecfr.gov, and filing requirements are detailed by the Department of Labor’s Longshore Program at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc.

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

Skilled Guidance Through Federal Procedures. We organize medical evidence, wage documentation, and operational records to support complex claims.
Protection Against Insurer Denials. Insurers often challenge the cause or severity of overseas injuries. We provide evidence-backed responses that strengthen your case.
Representation Grounded in Military Culture. As former Judge Advocates, we understand academy training, service expectations, and the transition into high-risk contracting roles.

Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

The DBA applies if you suffered an injury while working overseas as a civilian contractor supporting the U.S. government, military, or allied missions. Many academy graduates work as pilots, engineers, logistics personnel, analysts, instructors, and security specialists in demanding environments.

Injuries may involve acute incidents, cumulative stress, or condition aggravation. Symptoms often surface after returning home, leading many former cadets and midshipmen to assume they are no longer eligible. If an injury affects your ability to work, earn income, or maintain long-term health, a DBA claim may apply.

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 Securing Medical Treatment

We begin by reviewing your injury details and ensuring proper documentation. Early reporting matters because insurers frequently dispute whether an injury is tied to contracting duties. Medical evidence forms the foundation of every successful claim.

Step Two: Filing the Claim and Collecting Evidence

A formal claim is filed with the Department of Labor, including medical records, employment documentation, and wage history. The Longshore Program at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc outlines specific forms and timelines required for proper submission.

Step Three: Responding to Insurer Disputes

Insurers may question whether the injury occurred “in the course of employment,” challenge medical findings, or minimize wage-loss calculations. We gather expert documentation, operational evidence, and witness statements to counter these challenges effectively.

Step Four: Hearings, Conferences, or Settlement Negotiation

If disagreements persist, the case may advance to informal conferences or formal hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. We prepare structured arguments, evidence packets, and negotiation strategies designed to protect your long-term financial well-being.

After Your Defense Base Act Case What Comes Next

Once benefits begin, contractors often face continued monitoring, periodic medical evaluations, and wage verification requirements. Some consider settlement after their medical condition stabilizes, while others require additional advocacy when insurers request new examinations or attempt to terminate benefits. We offer ongoing guidance to help academy graduates transition from recovery to long-term planning. Our support continues until every aspect of your DBA case and follow-on needs are resolved.

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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 attorneys are former Marine Judge Advocates with extensive experience navigating the complexities of federal administrative systems. We understand the operational background of academy-trained servicemembers and the realities of overseas contracting.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have represented contractors worldwide in claims involving severe injuries, contested evidence, and aggressive insurer tactics. Our approach is structured, deliberate, and grounded in comprehensive legal and factual analysis.

Dedicated Support for Former Cadets and Midshipmen

Clients receive direct access to attorneys who understand both military and contracting cultures. We provide clear communication, steady guidance, and disciplined representation throughout the entire DBA process.

We deliver mission-focused advocacy that protects your health, livelihood, and financial future.

Defense Base Act for Military Academies FAQs

Do academy graduates qualify for DBA benefits if they work overseas as contractors?

Yes. DBA benefits apply to all civilian contractors supporting U.S. missions abroad, regardless of prior military academy attendance.

What if my DBA claim was denied?

Denials are common. With the right documentation and legal strategy, many denials can be reversed through conferences or formal hearings.

Can mental health conditions qualify under the DBA?

Yes. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms are compensable if tied to overseas employment.

How long does the DBA process take?

Timelines vary, but most claims require several months. Complex cases involving severe injuries may take longer.

When should I contact an attorney?

As soon as you experience an injury or receive resistance from your employer or insurer. Early representation protects your rights.

Secure the Compensation You Deserve

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