Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Virginia

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

If you were injured overseas while supporting U.S. missions, your health, income, and future stability may depend on the Defense Base Act.

Protecting Contractors Deployed From Virginia’s Military Hubs

Virginia is home to some of the nation’s largest military communities, and many contractors deploy from Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story, and Marine Corps Base Quantico, where a defense base act lawyer can help protect their rights, as well as from Fort Belvoir, Fort Barfoot, and Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown.

When contractors are injured abroad, whether through accidents, cumulative strain, blasts, vehicle incidents, or hazardous work environments, the Defense Base Act (DBA) becomes critical, Military Justice Attorneys (MJA), a team of former Marine Judge Advocates, helps Virginia contractors secure the benefits they are owed.

What Is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation law providing medical treatment, disability compensation, and wage replacement to civilian contractors injured while supporting U.S. operations overseas. It applies whether the injury occurred during training, active missions, construction, aviation support, or routine labor.

The Department of Labor’s DBA program is outlined at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc, and governing regulations 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

Strategic Response to Insurer Denials and Delays. DBA insurers frequently dispute the origin or severity of injuries. We counter these challenges with detailed evidence, medical documentation, and operational context that strengthen your claim and force compliance.
Organized Claims That Anticipate Legal Obstacles. We build structured case packets containing medical records, deployment documentation, witness statements, and employer correspondence, ensuring your submission is complete and persuasive from the start.
Representation Rooted in Understanding of Military Operations. As former Marine Judge Advocates, we understand how injuries occur in deployed environments and how to explain operational realities to decision-makers unfamiliar with military settings.

Is the Defense Base Act Relevant to My Situation?

You may qualify for DBA benefits if you were injured abroad while working for a government contractor, subcontractor, or supportive agency. Many qualifying injuries involve heavy lifting, aviation duties, vehicle operations, live-fire ranges, construction hazards, or repetitive strain.

Certain conditions, such as joint deterioration, hearing loss, or operational stress, may surface months after returning to Virginia. If the injury affects your ability to work, the DBA may apply even without a single traumatic event. Early legal review helps clarify eligibility and strengthens your claim.

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: Reviewing Records and Identifying Injury Connections

We begin by reviewing deployment orders, medical evaluations, job duties, and incident reports. Establishing a clear link between your injury and overseas service is essential because insurers often dispute causation.

Step Two: Filing Your Claim With the Department of Labor

We submit all required forms and documentation to ensure accuracy and prevent delays. The Department of Labor’s filing procedures at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc outline the timelines insurers must follow once notified.

Step Three: Responding to Insurer Challenges

Insurers may argue that the injury is preexisting or unrelated to work duties. We respond using medical opinions, operational evidence, and legal standards. Procedural expectations appear in guidance published by the Joint Service Committee at https://jsc.defense.gov.

Step Four: Conferences, Hearings, and Negotiation

If disputes persist, we represent you in informal conferences or formal hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. We develop testimony, present expert analysis, and negotiate settlements aligned with your long-term medical and financial needs.

After Your Defense Base Act Case What Comes Next

Even after benefits are awarded, many contractors need continued support for medical treatment, disability evaluations, or vocational considerations. Some eventually pursue settlements once their condition stabilizes, while others require ongoing advocacy when insurers reduce or terminate payments. MJA remains involved to protect your rights, monitor compliance, and ensure you continue receiving the support required to recover and rebuild.

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 familiar with deployed environments, contractor roles, and the operational challenges that cause injuries. This perspective strengthens every claim we prepare.

Proven Results and Strategic Advocacy

We have helped contractors nationwide secure benefits after denials, delays, or mischaracterizations by DBA insurers. Our evidence-driven, disciplined approach ensures your case is presented clearly and effectively.

Dedicated Support for Contractors Across Virginia

Whether you support missions from Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Quantico, or the Commonwealth’s many reserve and training installations, you receive direct access to experienced attorneys rather than case managers or intermediaries. We deliver mission-focused advocacy designed to protect your health, your financial security, and your future.

Defense Base Act Attorney Serving Virginia FAQs

Can I file a DBA claim after returning home to Virginia?

Yes. Many injuries develop over time. As long as the condition is connected to your overseas work, you may still qualify even if symptoms appear weeks or months later.

What if the insurer disputes how my injury occurred?

This is common. Insurers often argue injuries were unrelated to deployment. Strong medical evidence, witness statements, and operational documentation help establish causation and support full benefits.

Does the DBA cover cumulative or stress-related conditions?

Yes. Conditions caused by repetitive strain, heavy labor, hazardous environments, or operational stress may qualify, even without a single traumatic event. Early documentation strengthens these cases significantly.

How long does it take to resolve a DBA claim?

Timelines vary by complexity. Some claims resolve in months, while others require hearings. Thorough evidence preparation reduces delays and improves outcomes.

When should I contact a DBA attorney?

Immediately after an injury or when symptoms begin interfering with work. Early legal involvement preserves evidence, prevents insurer manipulation, and strengthens your claim.

Secure the Benefits You Deserve After an Overseas Injury

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