Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Texas

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

An overseas injury can derail your health, your income, and your future, long after you return home to Texas.

Support When an Overseas Injury Threatens Your Livelihood

Texas contractors deploy worldwide from major installations such as Fort Cavazos, Joint Base San Antonio (including Lackland, Randolph, and Fort Sam Houston), Dyess Air Force Base, Sheppard Air Force Base, and Goodfellow Air Force Base.

Others work closely with aviation and training units near Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Naval Air Station Kingsville, Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Camp Bullis, Camp Bowie, and Camp Mabry. When contractors are injured overseas, the Defense Base Act (DBA) becomes critical to securing medical care and wage-replacement benefits. Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps Texas contractors pursue the compensation they deserve.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation program designed to protect civilian contractors injured while supporting U.S. missions abroad. It provides medical coverage, disability compensation, and long-term benefits for eligible workers.

The Department of Labor administers the DBA and publishes procedural guidance at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc, while regulatory standards appear in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations at https://www.ecfr.gov.

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

Protection From Common Insurance Obstacles. Insurers often attempt to deny or minimize legitimate DBA claims. We challenge incorrect determinations by gathering strong medical evidence, operational context, and expert support that clearly establishes how the injury occurred and why benefits apply.
Strategic Preparation of Comprehensive Claims. We organize medical records, witness statements, employment documents, and deployment evidence into a structured, persuasive claim packet that anticipates insurer challenges and strengthens your position before the Department of Labor.
Military-Informed Understanding of Overseas Work Conditions. As former Judge Advocates, we understand the realities of deployed work environments. This background helps us demonstrate how injuries occur during aircraft maintenance, security missions, construction operations, or repetitive labor abroad.

Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for DBA benefits if you were injured overseas while working for a U.S. contractor, subcontractor, or government agency. Many injuries involve heavy lifting, vehicle or aircraft operations, live-fire training, construction work, stress-related strain, or cumulative wear from demanding duties.

Some injuries do not fully present themselves until after returning to Texas. Issues such as joint deterioration, hearing loss, or symptoms related to operational stress can worsen over time. If an injury limits your ability to work, medical evaluation and legal review are essential.

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

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: Evaluating Your Injury and Relevant Documentation

We begin by reviewing deployment records, medical evaluations, job duties, and incident reports. Early documentation is crucial because insurers often dispute how and when injuries occurred.

Step Two: Filing Your DBA Claim With the Department of Labor

We prepare and submit all required forms, ensuring accurate reporting. The Department of Labor outlines timelines and filing requirements at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc, and small errors can cause significant delays.

Step Three: Responding to Insurer Challenges

Insurers may argue that the injury preexisted deployment or occurred outside work duties. We counter these arguments with medical analysis, operational documentation, and legal standards recognized in administrative claims and hearings. UCMJ-related administrative frameworks published at https://jsc.defense.gov help guide procedural fairness expectations.

Step Four: Conferences, Hearings, or Settlement Negotiation

If disputes persist, we represent you in informal conferences or formal hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. We present evidence, prepare testimony, and negotiate from a position of strength to protect long-term benefits.

After Your Defense Base Act Case What Comes Next

Many contractors continue receiving medical treatment, disability compensation, or vocational support after benefits begin. Some consider settlement once treatment stabilizes; others require ongoing representation to address insurer attempts to reduce benefits. MJA remains involved to monitor compliance, respond to disputes, and provide long-term guidance. Our mission is to protect your health, your compensation, and your future earning potential.

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 defense base act lawyers are former Marine Judge Advocates with a firsthand understanding of deployed environments and the roles contractors fill. This knowledge strengthens our ability to describe how injuries occur and why benefits apply.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have helped contractors nationwide secure benefits after insurers denied claims or challenged medical evidence. Our approach emphasizes precision, strong documentation, and disciplined legal strategy.

Dedicated Support for Contractors Across Texas

We maintain direct attorney communication and provide reliable guidance for clients deployed from San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Killeen, Houston, and every region of the state. We deliver mission-focused advocacy that protects your health, your financial stability, and your long-term wellbeing.

Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Texas FAQs

Can I file a DBA claim after returning to Texas?

Yes. Many injuries worsen after returning home. As long as the injury is connected to your overseas duties, you may still qualify for benefits, even if significant time has passed.

Does the DBA cover cumulative or stress-related injuries?

Yes. Conditions such as joint deterioration, repetitive-use injuries, hearing loss, and stress-related impacts may qualify if connected to your contracting work abroad, even if symptoms develop gradually.

What if the insurer denies my claim?

Denials are common. Strong evidence, medical reports, and legal argumentation often reverse insurer decisions. Early involvement improves your chances and protects your access to benefits.

How long does it take to resolve a DBA claim?

Timelines vary by dispute and medical complexity. Some cases resolve in months, while others require hearings. Comprehensive evidence reduces delays and strengthens your position.

When should I contact a DBA attorney?

Immediately after an injury or when symptoms begin affecting your ability to work. Early legal guidance preserves evidence and improves your likelihood of a successful claim.

Secure the Benefits You’ve Earned After an Overseas Injury

An overseas injury should not jeopardize your financial security. Contact Military Justice Attorneys today to schedule your confidential consultation with a former Marine Judge Advocate.