Defense Base Act Lawyers in New York

If you were injured while working overseas for a New York defense contractor like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, or Raytheon, the Defense Base Act covers your claim. This federal law protects contractors, subcontractors, and support personnel who suffer injuries on military installations, construction projects, and security operations abroad. Yet navigating DBA claims from thousands of miles away while recovering from serious injuries can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies often deny or undervalue legitimate claims, leaving injured workers without the medical care and wage replacement they deserve.

Grossman Attorneys at Law brings decades of Defense Base Act experience to contractors from New York. Our firm has secured significant results by aggressively negotiating with insurance carriers who try to minimize your benefits. Because DBA insurers pay all attorney fees, you owe us nothing out of pocket. We understand how difficult this time is for you and your family. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for the full compensation you have earned.

What is the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act provides workers’ compensation coverage for civilian employees working on U.S. military bases and government contracts outside the United States. The law is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, which oversees claims and benefits under the Defense Base Act.

If you’re injured while supporting military operations overseas, this federal law guarantees you receive medical treatment and wage replacement benefits.

The coverage scope extends to various work-related injuries and illnesses:

• Physical injuries from accidents, combat incidents, or hazardous conditions
• Occupational diseases developed from workplace exposure
• Psychological conditions including PTSD and traumatic stress

The jurisdictional reach covers contractors working anywhere outside the United States on qualifying government contracts.

Contractors must carry required DBA insurance, and injured employees should promptly report injuries and file claims to access available benefits.

DBA Insurance Coverage for Overseas Contractors from New York

If you’re a New York resident working overseas for a defense contractor, you’re likely covered by DBA insurance whether you realize it or not. Your employer is required by federal law to maintain this coverage for any work performed on U.S. military bases, in conflict zones, or on contracts funded by the U.S. government abroad.

For a comprehensive overview of coverage, benefits, and claims resources, the DOL’s DBA hub provides detailed guidance on waiver guidance and insurance requirements. Understanding which specific employment situations trigger DBA coverage helps you recognize when you have the right to file a claim for workplace injuries or illnesses sustained overseas. Employers and their subcontractors are generally responsible for securing coverage, and many obtain it through single-source programs to ensure compliance and consistency across projects.

Types of Employment Covered Under DBA Insurance

Understanding which employment situations qualify for Defense Base Act coverage determines whether you’ll receive medical care and wage replacement after an overseas injury.

The statute protects various contractor classifications working on U.S. government projects abroad. Coverage extends to foreign nationals employed by American contractors overseas, including local and third-country nationals, when working under U.S. government contracts.

DBA insurance covers:

• Direct employees of defense contractors, construction firms, and service providers working on military bases or U.S.-funded projects overseas
• Security personnel, translators, and support staff employed by companies with government contracts
• Workers performing any job duties under covered contracts, regardless of whether positions involve combat zones or routine administrative work

Certain employment exclusions apply, including independent contractors without employee status and workers under specific exempted contracts.

It also applies to eligible workers on Foreign Assistance Act–funded contract work and to employees of welfare-service organizations like the USO or American Red Cross serving non-U.S.–based Armed Services.

How Our New York DBA Claim Attorneys Can Help

Our New York DBA claim attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation to prevent insurance companies from undervaluing or denying your Defense Base Act benefits. When you’re managing a Defense Base Act claim from New York, you shouldn’t have to face insurance companies and their attorneys alone.

Our DBA claim attorneys work alongside you to build the strongest possible case, from collecting medical records and witness statements to presenting evidence at formal hearings. We also help clients prepare and file essential forms like the LS-207 hearing request when benefits are denied.

We’ll fight to secure every dollar you’re entitled to under the law, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial. They also understand the strict DBA deadlines and filing requirements, ensuring your claim is timely and fully compliant.

Gather and Preserve Critical Evidence

Proper documentation forms the foundation of every successful Defense Base Act claim, yet most injured contractors fail to gather critical evidence before it vanishes. Under the DBA’s Zone of Special Danger doctrine, off-duty injuries abroad may still be compensable, making early evidence collection crucial to prove the employment connection.

Our attorneys immediately secure witness statements from coworkers who saw your accident or can verify your work conditions. We establish proper chain of custody for medical records, ensuring your documentation remains legally admissible throughout your case. We photograph your injuries, preserve employment contracts, and collect incident reports before they disappear.

Insurance companies deny approximately 30% of initial DBA claims according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, often claiming evidence doesn’t exist simply because it wasn’t gathered correctly.

We understand exactly what documentation Administrative Law Judges require under 33 U.S.C. § 919 and how to obtain it within the statutory timeframes.

Because Gallagher Bassett often conducts extensive investigations and controls access to medical providers, preserving evidence early helps counter low offers and denials.

Represent You in Hearings and Appeals

Most Defense Base Act cases settle before trial, but insurance carriers offer maximum compensation only when your attorney has proven litigation experience before Administrative Law Judges.

We’ve represented contractors through formal hearings where Federal Rules of Evidence determine which medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony get admitted into the official record.

If the initial decision fails to provide fair compensation, we pursue appeals through the Benefits Review Board and into the federal circuit courts of appeal. Our appellate strategy addresses procedural errors under 33 U.S.C. § 921 and applies controlling case law from circuit court precedents to strengthen your position.

This litigation experience creates settlement pressure on carriers who want to avoid the expense of multi-day hearings and potential adverse rulings.

Maximize Your Compensation

Your Defense Base Act claim’s ultimate value depends on accurate disability ratings, thorough medical documentation, and strategic presentation of wage loss calculations under 33 U.S.C. § 908. We optimize settlements by identifying all compensable injury components, including psychological conditions that insurance carriers overlook in approximately 40% of initial claim evaluations.

Our litigation strategies involve consulting medical experts who strengthen disability evidence and engaging vocational specialists who demonstrate reduced earning capacity through standardized assessments like the Dictionary of Occupational Titles analysis. We calculate permanent impairment benefits using the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (6th Edition), schedule awards under 33 U.S.C. § 908(c)(1)-(20), and future medical care costs projected over your remaining work-life expectancy.

When insurers offer inadequate compensation (typically 30-50% below documented case value in first settlement attempts), we’re prepared to present compelling courtroom evidence that maximizes your recovery.

U.S. Defense Contractors in New York

New York's defense industry employs over 43,000 workers across aerospace manufacturing, communications technology, and engineering services, with approximately 15,000 of these workers supporting overseas military operations through federal contracts.

Major contractors like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Harris Corporation, and BAE Systems maintain significant operations throughout the state, particularly on Long Island and in the Finger Lakes region.

If you work for any of these companies or their subcontractors and you're injured while supporting government projects abroad, the Defense Base Act protects your right to workers' compensation benefits.

List of Major Defense Contractors in New York

Looking across New York's defense footprint, you'll find several major U.S. contractors that regularly send employees overseas on government projects. You may work with Defense suppliers through contractor partnerships that tie New York work to deployments abroad. While specific state addresses aren't available, these prime firms operate in or alongside New York and frequently staff overseas roles under U.S. contracts.

Lockheed Martin
Locations: Multiple New York facilities including Owego (Tioga County), Syracuse (Onondaga County)
Founded: 1995 (merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta)
Website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com

Lockheed Martin operates significant facilities in New York supporting aviation, surveillance, and missile defense programs.

The company's New York workforce contributes to systems deployed worldwide, with employees regularly traveling to support installations, maintenance, and upgrades at U.S. military bases and allied nation sites. If you were injured overseas while working on a Lockheed Martin contract, the Defense Base Act likely applies.

Boeing
Locations: Various New York locations supporting defense programs
Founded: 1916
Website: https://www.boeing.com

Boeing maintains a defense presence in New York through various facilities and partnerships supporting military aviation and technology programs.

The company frequently deploys technical staff and engineers overseas to support aircraft maintenance, modifications, and training missions at U.S. and allied military installations worldwide.

Northrop Grumman
Locations: Multiple New York facilities including Long Island operations
Founded: 1994 (merger), legacy companies dating to 1939
Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com

Northrop Grumman's New York operations support aerospace, electronic warfare, and surveillance systems used in overseas deployments.

Employees may travel internationally to support system integration, testing, and operational support at forward-deployed locations and allied nation facilities.

L3Harris Technologies
Locations: Rochester (Monroe County), multiple facilities statewide
Founded: 2019 (merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation)
Website: https://www.l3harris.com

L3Harris maintains substantial operations in New York providing communications, electronic systems, and mission support equipment for deployed military teams.

The company regularly sends technical personnel overseas to install, maintain, and support communications networks and electronic systems at U.S. bases and in operational theaters.

General Dynamics
Locations: Various New York facilities supporting defense contracts
Founded: 1952
Website: https://www.gd.com

General Dynamics supports multiple defense sectors including IT services, mission support, and technology systems with connections to New York operations.

The company deploys personnel globally to provide technical support, systems integration, and mission-critical services at U.S. military installations and operational sites worldwide.

If you were injured overseas while working for any of these companies under a U.S. government contract, the Defense Base Act likely provides coverage for your injury.

Types of Injuries Covered by DBA Insurance

You can seek DBA benefits for physical trauma like fractures, burns, or blast injuries, as well as repetitive-use harm, which means strain from tasks you repeat each day.

You're also covered for psychological conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, plus occupational diseases like respiratory problems from dust or chemicals and infectious illnesses linked to your work.

Chronic deployment-related conditions count too, including hearing loss from constant noise, joint and back pain from heavy gear, and persistent headaches after concussive events.

Physical Trauma and Injuries

When contractors suffer physical injuries while working on overseas military bases or government projects, the Defense Base Act provides coverage for virtually any bodily harm that occurs during employment.

This includes blast injuries from explosions, vehicle accidents, falls from heights, and crush injuries from equipment or structural failures. You're covered whether you sustained fractures, burns, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or internal organ damage.

The policy protects you during combat zone incidents, construction accidents, and even recreational activities on base. DBA insurance covers immediate emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and all necessary medical care.

Psychological and Mental Conditions

Defense Base Act insurance fully covers psychological injuries and mental health conditions that develop from overseas contractor work, regardless of whether you experienced physical trauma.

Combat related PTSD, anxiety, depression, and deployment burnout qualify as compensable conditions under DBA coverage. You don't need to prove you were in direct combat. Mental health conditions caused by extended deployment stress, witnessing traumatic events, living in hostile environments, or experiencing threats to your safety all qualify for benefits.

Insurance carriers must cover your psychiatric treatment, medications, and therapy just as they'd physical injuries.

Occupational Diseases and Illnesses

Exposure to toxic substances, infectious diseases, and hazardous environmental conditions during overseas deployment creates occupational illnesses that qualify for full Defense Base Act coverage.

You're entitled to compensation when workplace pathogens like tuberculosis, hepatitis, or COVID-19 affect your health on government contracts.

Occupational exposures to burn pits, asbestos, chemical agents, or contaminated water sources also warrant claims. These conditions often develop gradually, making documentation essential. Your New York-based deployment might've exposed you to hazards that manifest months or years later.

Defense Base Act insurance must cover treatment, lost wages, and ongoing care for service-related occupational diseases.

Chronic Deployment-Related Conditions

Long-term health problems from repeated deployments to hostile environments frequently worsen over time, creating chronic conditions that Defense Base Act insurance must cover throughout your lifetime.

Chronic pain from musculoskeletal injuries often intensifies years after your initial deployment, requiring ongoing medical treatment and pain management.

Sleep disturbance stemming from hypervigilance, environmental stress, or untreated trauma can develop into persistent insomnia that affects your daily functioning.

These conditions don't simply disappear when you return to New York. They require continuous medical care, and DBA coverage extends to these long-term consequences of your overseas service, ensuring you receive necessary treatment indefinitely.

Medical Facilities and Treatment for New York DBA Claimants

After returning to New York from an overseas deployment, quality medical care serves two critical purposes: supporting your physical recovery and documenting injuries for your DBA claim. The state's world-class trauma centers and specialized facilities provide necessary treatment while creating detailed medical records that strengthen your case.

Comprehensive medical documentation is essential for DBA claims, as it establishes the extent of your injuries, required treatments, and impact on your ability to work. Prompt medical attention ensures you receive appropriate care without insurance company delays or interference. Understanding your medical rights under the DBA protects your access to qualified physicians and necessary treatments, ultimately supporting both your recovery and the success of your claim.

Trauma Centers and Medical Facilities in New York

Whether you're coming home from an overseas deployment with a serious injury or a new psychological condition, getting timely care in New York is essential for your health and your Defense Base Act claim. You need fast access to urban trauma teams and pediatric burn care, which means child-focused burn treatment. Start with Level I centers when possible.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
525 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065
(212) 746-5454

Located in Manhattan, NewYork-Presbyterian offers adult and pediatric trauma services and operates a renowned burn center. This Level I trauma center provides comprehensive emergency care and specialty services.

Bellevue Hospital Center
462 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 562-4132

Bellevue is located in Manhattan and accepts all patients, providing rapid stabilization and emergency care. This Level I trauma center has a long history of serving diverse patient populations.

Jacobi Medical Center
1400 Pelham Parkway South
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 918-5000

Located in the Bronx, Jacobi Medical Center accepts all patients and provides quick stabilization services. This facility serves as a critical trauma center for the northern New York City area.

Mount Sinai Morningside
1111 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
(212) 523-4000

Located in Manhattan, Mount Sinai Morningside delivers thorough trauma care and coordinates transfers to specialized facilities when needed.

NYU Langone Hospital - Brooklyn
150 55th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11220
(718) 630-7000

Situated in Brooklyn, NYU Langone-Brooklyn provides comprehensive trauma care and transfer services for patients requiring specialized treatment.

Important Medical Rights Under the DBA

Your choice of doctor matters more under the Defense Base Act than it does under most workers' compensation systems. You have the right to select your treating physician, and the insurance carrier can't force you to see their preferred doctors for your care.

Key medical rights you should know:

• No medical authorization required – You don't need pre-approval to seek treatment from qualified physicians
• Carrier must pay reasonable expenses – Insurance companies can't deny legitimate medical bills without proper justification
• Treatment disputes require formal proceedings – When carriers contest your medical care, they must use official channels

These protections guarantee you receive proper treatment.

DBA Benefits Available to New York Residents

New York residents injured while working overseas on a U.S. government contract are entitled to substantial benefits under the Defense Base Act that go far beyond basic workers' compensation.

These benefits include full coverage of your medical treatment, multiple types of disability payments based on your ability to work, vocational rehabilitation to help you return to employment, and financial support for your family if your injuries prove fatal.

Understanding what you can claim and how to maximize each benefit category is essential to securing the full compensation you've earned through your service to government operations abroad.

Medical Treatment and Expenses

When you've been injured working overseas for a defense contractor, the Defense Base Act requires your employer's insurance carrier to cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury or illness.

This includes hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, specialist consultations, diagnostic testing, and prescription coverage. The carrier must also provide telemedicine access, which is particularly valuable when you're recovering overseas or returning to New York.

You're entitled to choose your own treating physician, though the insurance carrier may request independent medical examinations. If treatment is denied or delayed, you have the right to challenge these decisions through the DBA claims process.

Disability Compensation Payment Types

Beyond covering your medical bills, the Defense Base Act provides several types of disability compensation designed to replace lost wages while you're unable to work.

• Temporary total disability benefits pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage when you can't work at all.
• Temporary partial disability covers wage differences if you return to lighter duties at reduced pay.
• Permanent disability benefits compensate for lasting impairments, either totally or partially.

Understanding potential wage offsets and tax implications becomes essential when calculating your actual benefit amounts. Each classification directly affects your compensation level and duration of payments.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Available

Getting back to work after a serious overseas injury isn't always possible in your original occupation, which is why the Defense Base Act includes vocational rehabilitation benefits to help you shift into suitable alternative employment.

These services can include vocational counseling to identify careers matching your post-injury capabilities, job placement assistance, retraining programs, and educational support for new certifications or degrees.

Your rehabilitation plan might also cover workplace adjustments like modified equipment or accommodations that enable you to work despite physical limitations. Insurance carriers must provide these benefits when you can't return to your previous contractor position.

Death Benefits for Families

Surviving family members receive death benefits under the Defense Base Act when a contractor dies overseas, including weekly compensation payments and burial assistance.

These benefits provide two-thirds of the deceased contractor's average weekly wage to spouses and dependent children. The DBA provides burial allowances of up to $3,000 (as set by 33 U.S.C. § 909) to help families with final expenses.

This survivor support continues for the spouse until remarriage and for children until age 18, or age 23 if enrolled as full-time students, or indefinitely if the child was disabled before reaching age 18.

Statute of Limitations for DBA Claims

Time limits pose one of the most serious threats to your Defense Base Act claim, and understanding these deadlines can mean the difference between receiving full compensation and losing your benefits entirely.

You must file traumatic injury claims within one year of the incident, while occupational disease claims allow two years from diagnosis.

Missing these deadlines typically eliminates your right to disability payments, though limited exceptions exist:

• Equitable tolling may extend deadlines if your employer failed to post required notices
• Foreign nationals often face challenges because they weren't informed of their DBA rights
• Occupational diseases like PTSD start their two-year clock only after formal diagnosis

Contact Our New York Defense Base Act Law Firm Today for Help

If you or a loved one has been injured, fallen ill, or developed a psychological condition while working overseas as a Defense Base Act contractor, Grossman Attorneys at Law is ready to help.

Whether you need to file a new claim, your claim has been wrongfully denied or delayed, or you've received an inadequate settlement offer, our experienced legal team will fight to secure the full compensation you deserve.

We've successfully represented over 300 injured contractors working on U.S. military bases and government projects worldwide, and our multilingual staff speaks English, Spanish, Creole, French, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Contact our New York Defense Base Act law firm today to speak with an experienced DBA attorney about your case.