Defense Base Act Attorney Serving South Korea

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

Civilian contractors supporting missions in South Korea often suffer injuries that disrupt their health, income, and long-term financial security.

Support When an Overseas Injury Changes Your Life

Contractors serving throughout South Korea, from large hubs such as Camp Humphreys, Camp Casey, and Yongsan Garrison to regional sites including Camp Carroll, Camp Walker, Camp Stanley, and Camp Hovey, often work in demanding environments where injuries are common.

Others supporting aviation, logistics, or security operations at Osan Air Base, Kunsan Air Base, K-16 Air Base, and USAG Daegu face similar risks. When an injury interrupts your ability to work overseas or return home safely, navigating the Defense Base Act (DBA) becomes essential. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps contractors secure the benefits they are owed.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation law that provides medical care and wage-replacement benefits to civilian contractors injured while supporting U.S. operations abroad. It covers traumatic injuries, repetitive-use conditions, hearing loss, and stress-related impacts that affect daily functioning.

The Department of Labor administers DBA claims, with procedural guidance available at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc. Regulatory details, including definitions and employer obligations, appear in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations at https://www.ecfr.gov.

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

Skilled Navigation of a Complex System. We manage filing requirements, medical documentation, wage records, and timelines that frequently cause delays for unrepresented contractors.
Strategic Response to Insurer Tactics. Insurers often deny claims, challenge medical findings, or push unfavorable evaluations. We counter these tactics with evidence-driven advocacy.
Representation Grounded in Military Culture. As former Judge Advocates, we understand the realities of daily life on U.S. installations in Korea and how these environments contribute to injuries.

Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

If you are a contractor working for the U.S. military, Department of Defense, or a government contractor in South Korea, the DBA likely applies to your injury. Many claims arise from heavy equipment usage, aircraft support, security operations, repetitive labor, environmental factors, or high operational tempo.

Symptoms may appear immediately or evolve over time. Contractors often discover that work-related injuries, such as joint deterioration, back strain, or stress-related effects, intensify after returning home. If your condition limits your ability to work or maintain your income, 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: Documenting the Injury and Securing Medical Treatment

We begin by reviewing how the injury occurred, the initial treatment received, and the current medical status. Accurate documentation is essential because insurers frequently dispute whether injuries happened “in the course of employment.”

Step Two: Filing the Claim With the Department of Labor

We prepare and file the official DBA claim with supporting documentation, including medical records, incident descriptions, and wage history. The Department of Labor outlines required forms and timelines at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc, making accuracy critical to avoid delays.

Step Three: Responding to Insurer Challenges

Insurers may question causation, minimize symptoms, or attempt to direct contractors to their preferred medical providers. We counter these strategies with detailed evidence, expert opinions, and operational documentation.

Step Four: Conferences, Hearings, or Settlement Negotiation

If disputes persist, the claim may advance to informal conferences or formal hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. We prepare evidence packets, written arguments, and negotiation strategies designed to protect long-term financial and medical benefits. Standards related to procedure and evidence can be reviewed through UCMJ administrative provisions found at https://jsc.defense.gov.

After Your Defense Base Act Case What Comes Next

Once benefits begin, contractors must navigate ongoing medical evaluations, wage calculations, and potential insurer attempts to reduce or terminate compensation. Some consider settlement after reaching medical stability; others continue treatment for extended periods. MJA provides ongoing support by reviewing medical updates, negotiating settlements when appropriate, and ensuring that benefits remain secure. Our representation continues until your situation is fully resolved.

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 in understanding military operations and the environments in which contractors work. This background strengthens our ability to explain injuries within the full context of overseas service.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have represented contractors worldwide in claims involving severe injuries, disputed causation, long-term disabilities, and insurer resistance. Our approach is deliberate, evidence-based, and focused on strong results.

Dedicated Support for Contractors in South Korea

Clients receive direct access to attorneys who understand time-zone challenges, remote communication, and the stresses of overseas contracting. We provide reliable guidance from the first consultation until final resolution. We deliver mission-driven advocacy that protects your health, livelihood, and future.

Defense Base Act Attorney Serving South Korea FAQs

Do DBA benefits apply if symptoms appear after returning home?

Yes. Many injuries develop or worsen after leaving South Korea. As long as evidence links the condition to your contracting duties, benefits may still be available.

Can the insurer require me to see their chosen doctor?

Insurers may request evaluations, but you retain the right to select your treating physician. Your doctor’s opinion carries significant weight in benefit decisions.

What if my employer claims the injury occurred off duty?

Even off-duty incidents may qualify if they occurred on or near a worksite or in circumstances connected to your contract. We review evidence to counter incorrect denials.

How long does a DBA claim take?

Timelines vary widely. Some cases resolve in months, while others involve hearings. Early preparation strengthens your position.

Secure the Compensation You Deserve

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