Top Rated Virginia Defense Base Act Law Firm – Grossman Attorneys
If you’ve been injured working overseas as a civilian contractor, you need a Virginia Defense Base Act lawyer who knows how to fight for your rights. Whether you deployed from Norfolk to support naval operations abroad, worked on IT systems at overseas military bases, or provided security services in hostile environments, the DBA covers your injuries, and you deserve full compensation.
At Grossman Attorneys at Law, we’ve spent decades fighting for civilian contractors just like you. We know exactly how DBA insurance companies operate and how to counter every tactic they use to minimize claims. Our attorneys have recovered millions in benefits for contractors across the Commonwealth, and we won’t settle for less than the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under federal law. Best of all, your employer’s insurance company pays our attorney fees when we win, so you keep your full settlement.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Grossman Attorneys at Law today for a consultation about your DBA claim.
What is the Defense Base Act?
The Defense Base Act is a federal workers’ compensation law that covers civilian contractors injured while working overseas on U.S. military bases or government contracts.
The Defense Base Act (DBA) is a federal law established in 1941 to provide workers’ compensation benefits to civilian employees working overseas on U.S. military projects. It applies to contractors and subcontractors operating on military bases, as well as individuals engaged in public works and national defense contracts outside the United States. These workers may include people in construction, maintenance, security, IT services, and welfare service positions.
The DBA ensures coverage for injuries or illnesses that occur during the course of employment. Compensation includes payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. In fatal cases, death benefits are available to the worker’s dependents. The law broadens coverage to include incidents unrelated to fault, meaning you don’t need to prove negligence or liability to qualify for benefits, making it a crucial protection for individuals in potentially dangerous environments.
You can file a claim under the DBA with the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, and private insurance companies oversee compensation disbursement.
Despite the straightforward protections, the DBA claim process can be difficult to navigate. Denials or disputes often arise, particularly when employers or insurers contest injury classifications, employment status, or the extent of benefits owed. That’s where having experienced legal representation becomes essential to protecting your rights and securing full compensation.
What Does a Defense Base Act Lawyer Do?
Defense Base Act attorneys help injured contractors navigate the federal claims process, handle appeals, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation for overseas work injuries.
DBA lawyers play a critical role in helping injured contractors and their families navigate the complex claims process. The team at Grossman Attorneys is well-versed in the intricacies of the Defense Base Act, ensuring that every claim complies with federal regulations and is supported by necessary evidence.
Representation and Administrative Guidance
We represent injured workers or the families of deceased employees who provided services for U.S. government contractors overseas. Our legal team guides clients through the administrative and legal procedures required for filing claims under the Defense Base Act. This includes preparing the paperwork, meeting deadlines, and addressing disputes that may arise with employers or insurers.
Evaluating and Preparing Claims
At Grossman Attorneys, we assess all aspects of your DBA claim to ensure it meets federal standards. We gather evidence such as medical records, wage statements, and witness testimonies. This thorough documentation strengthens claims and helps secure the medical compensation, lost wages, and disability benefits you may be entitled to under the Act.
Legal Advocacy During Litigation
When disputes escalate, we handle all legal aspects of your case during litigation. Our team represents your interests in hearings before the Office of Administrative Law Judges or other judicial bodies when claim disputes arise over eligibility or benefits. We ensure that your rights are protected and your case receives the attention it deserves.
Pursuing Full Compensation
As your advocates, we work tirelessly to secure full compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, future care needs, permanent disabilities, or dependency-based death benefits. While the DBA doesn’t require proof of fault, strong legal advocacy is often necessary to resolve contested claims or denied payouts effectively.
Get Results
Each one of our lawyers is a skilled and experienced litigator and negotiator. We never recommend settling your case when trial presents a better opportunity for recovery.
Insurance companies know our reputation. They know we prepare every case for trial and we’ll go the distance when settlement offers fall short. We investigate thoroughly, build bulletproof cases, and aren’t afraid to take yours to court. That changes negotiations from the start.
Anytime. Anywhere. We’re Ready to Fight for You.
Defense Base Act Coverage for Virginia Overseas Contractors
The Defense Base Act extends workers' compensation protections to a wide range of civilian employees working under U.S. government contracts overseas. If you deploy internationally for defense work, you're covered under the DBA, regardless of your nationality or the specific type of work you perform. This coverage includes various employment types, government contractors, subcontractors, and even non-U.S. citizens working for American companies abroad.
Types of Employment Covered Under the Defense Base Act
The Defense Base Act ensures coverage for employees operating in specific roles overseas, regardless of nationality, provided their employment meets certain federal criteria. The four main categories of covered employment include:
Military Base Work: Coverage applies to employees working on U.S. military bases abroad, including in U.S. territories and possessions. For instance, if you're handling construction or maintenance services on defense installations in Germany, Japan, or South Korea, you fall under this category.
Public Works Projects: Employees supporting public works contracts tied to national defense or war activities outside U.S. soil are covered. These contracts often include infrastructure construction, logistical support, and similar services that support military operations.
Foreign Assistance Act Work: Workers involved in contracts funded by the U.S. under the Foreign Assistance Act, such as selling military equipment or services to allied countries, are also protected when activities occur outside the United States.
Welfare and Morale Services: The DBA covers employees providing welfare and morale services to U.S. armed forces personnel overseas, including those working for organizations like the USO or similar contractors.
If your work assignment aligns with these employment categories, the DBA provides critical safeguards, including medical coverage, wage compensation, and death benefits for dependents.
Government Contractors
Government contractors and their employees form a significant group covered under the Defense Base Act. Employers working with the U.S. government, whether for defense, infrastructure, or security services abroad, must ensure DBA insurance is active to protect their workers. This includes employees performing construction projects on military bases, contractors tasked with providing logistical and operational support, and those offering instructional or advisory services to allied forces.
Regardless of an employer's compliance, you retain DBA protection if you're injured during overseas employment. If you file a claim, you'll receive compensation for necessary medical treatments and lost wages caused by work-related injuries.
Virginia Military Contractors and Overseas Deployment
Virginia is home to one of the largest concentrations of military installations in the United States, making it a major hub for defense contractors and civilian workers who deploy overseas. The Commonwealth's strong military presence creates thousands of job opportunities for contractors supporting U.S. operations abroad. These installations serve as staging grounds and employment centers for residents who work on government contracts worldwide.
Major military installations in Virginia include:
Naval Station Norfolk: The world's largest naval station, located in Norfolk, supporting extensive overseas naval operations and deploying thousands of civilian contractors annually.
The Pentagon: Located in Arlington, this facility serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense and coordinates defense operations worldwide.
Marine Corps Base Quantico: Situated in Triangle, this is a major training and education center for the Marine Corps that supports deployment operations.
Fort Belvoir: Located in Fairfax County, this installation is home to numerous defense agencies and commands that manage overseas contractor operations.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis: Based in Hampton, this facility combines Air Force and Army operations and supports international deployments.
Naval Air Station Oceana: Located in Virginia Beach, this is one of the Navy's master jet bases supporting carrier operations worldwide.
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS): Situated in Virginia Beach, this base supports amphibious and special operations forces deploying globally.
Fort Lee: Located in Prince George County, this is a major logistics and sustainment hub that coordinates supply operations for overseas missions.
These installations support a wide range of industries that deploy workers overseas, including shipbuilding and maintenance, cybersecurity and IT services, logistics and supply chain management, construction and engineering, security services, and defense manufacturing. The Commonwealth's proximity to Washington D.C. and its robust defense infrastructure make it a primary source of civilian contractors working on U.S. military projects worldwide.
If you work at or near any of these installations and have deployed overseas for contract work, you're likely covered under the Defense Base Act.
Defense Contractors in Virginia and DBA Eligibility
Virginia hosts numerous major defense contractors who regularly deploy workers overseas under U.S. government contracts. Understanding whether your employer falls under DBA coverage is essential for protecting your rights as an overseas contractor. The Commonwealth's defense industry is one of the nation's largest, with companies ranging from shipbuilders to cybersecurity firms.
Major defense contractors with significant operations in the state include:
Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Locations: Falls Church (headquarters), Fairfax County, Hampton, Chantilly
- Founded: 1994 (through merger)
- Contract Work: Aerospace systems, cybersecurity, naval shipbuilding, unmanned systems, defense electronics
- Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)
- Locations: Newport News (Newport News Shipbuilding)
- Founded: 2011 (spun off from Northrop Grumman)
- Contract Work: Nuclear aircraft carrier and submarine construction, maintenance, and overhaul services
- Website: https://hii.com/
General Dynamics Corporation
- Locations: Reston, Fairfax, Norfolk, multiple state locations
- Founded: 1952
- Contract Work: Information technology, mission systems, maritime systems, combat systems
- Website: https://www.gd.com/
Lockheed Martin
- Locations: Multiple facilities across Northern Virginia, including Arlington
- Founded: 1995 (through merger)
- Contract Work: Aeronautics, missiles, defense systems, space systems, cybersecurity
- Website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/index.html
BAE Systems, Inc.
- Locations: Arlington (U.S. headquarters), Norfolk, multiple facilities statewide
- Founded: 1999 (U.S. subsidiary established)
- Contract Work: Combat vehicles, electronic systems, naval ship repair, cyber operations
- Website: https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/
Booz Allen Hamilton
- Locations: McLean (headquarters), multiple Northern Virginia offices
- Founded: 1914
- Contract Work: Management consulting, cybersecurity, analytics, engineering services for defense and intelligence agencies
- Website: https://www.boozallen.com/
Raytheon Technologies (now RTX Corporation)
- Locations: Multiple facilities including Sterling and Arlington
- Contract Work: Missile systems, intelligence solutions, cybersecurity, integrated defense systems
- Website: https://www.rtx.com/
CACI International
- Locations: Reston (headquarters), multiple locations statewide
- Founded: 1962
- Contract Work: IT services, intelligence support, cybersecurity, logistics support
- Website: https://www.caci.com/
If you work for any of these contractors or their subcontractors and have been injured while supporting U.S. government contracts overseas, you're likely covered under the Defense Base Act. Even if your employer isn't listed here, you may still qualify for DBA benefits if your work meets the federal coverage requirements.
Filing Your DBA Claim from Virginia: Department of Labor Resources
If you're filing a Defense Base Act claim from Virginia, you'll work with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Understanding how to properly file your claim and contact the right office can help streamline the process during an already difficult time.
District Office Serving Virginia Residents
DBA claims from the Commonwealth are handled by the Norfolk Suboffice, which is part of the Eastern District of the Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation. The Norfolk office has jurisdiction over claims from the state and surrounding areas in the Eastern region. This office is familiar with the unique challenges contractors face and the industries common to the region.
Contacting the Department of Labor
In 2020, the Department of Labor consolidated its longshore program offices and adopted a single phone number for all districts and suboffices:
Phone: 202-513-6809
To reach your assigned claims examiner, you'll need either your OWCP case number or the injured worker's date of birth and Social Security number. This consolidated phone system connects you to the appropriate office based on your location and case information.
How to File Your DBA Claim
When filing your DBA claim, you'll need to submit several key forms:
- Form LS-201 (Notice of Employee's Injury or Death)
- Form LS-203 (Employee's Claim for Compensation)
- Medical records documenting your injury or illness
- Employment verification from your contractor employer
- Wage statements showing your average weekly earnings
Preferred Filing Method: SEAPortal
The Department of Labor strongly prefers that you submit all documents electronically through the SEAPortal at https://seaportal.dol.gov/portal/. This online system allows you to create new cases and upload documents for existing claims securely. You can access this system 24/7, making it convenient for filing regardless of time zones if you're still overseas.
Filing by Mail
If you can't file electronically, you can mail your forms and documentation to:
OWCP/DLHWC 400 West Bay Street, Room 63A, Box 28 Jacksonville, FL 32202
Note that while the mailing address is in Jacksonville, your claim will be processed by the Norfolk Suboffice that serves residents of the Commonwealth.
Additional Resources
The Department of Labor's Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation maintains helpful resources at www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc. You can access claim forms, filing instructions, and information about your rights under the Defense Base Act.
Getting Legal Help with Your Claim
While the Department of Labor staff can provide guidance on procedural requirements, they can't give you legal advice about your specific case. That's where our team at Grossman Attorneys comes in. We ensure all documentation is complete and properly filed, help you avoid costly mistakes that could delay or reduce your benefits, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Many residents find that having an experienced DBA attorney makes the difference between a denied claim and a successful one.
Medical Facilities and Resources for Virginia DBA Claimants
After returning from overseas with a work-related injury or illness, finding quality medical care is crucial for your recovery and your DBA claim. Virginia offers numerous excellent medical facilities where Defense Base Act claimants can receive evaluations, treatment, and ongoing care. The Commonwealth's strong military presence means many facilities have experience treating injuries common among overseas contractors.
Major Medical Centers for DBA Claimants
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
8901 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 295-4611
While technically in Maryland, Walter Reed is just minutes from Northern Virginia and serves as the premier military medical facility in the region. Many contractors from the area receive specialized care here for complex injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and combat-related conditions. The hospital has extensive experience treating overseas contractor injuries and working with DBA claims. Residents of Northern Virginia can access this facility for specialized care not available elsewhere.
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
600 Gresham Drive
Norfolk, VA 23507 (757) 388-3000
As a Level I Trauma Center near Naval Station Norfolk, Sentara Norfolk General has significant experience treating injuries common among defense contractors. The facility offers comprehensive trauma services, orthopedic care, and rehabilitation programs suited for DBA claimants returning to the Hampton Roads area. The hospital's proximity to the area's largest military installation means the staff understands the unique challenges contractors face.
VCU Medical Center
1250 East Marshall Street
Richmond, VA 23298
(804) 828-9000
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center offering specialized care for severe injuries. Located in Richmond, it serves central Virginia with advanced orthopedic services, neurosurgery, and burn treatment. The hospital's rehabilitation services are valuable for workers recovering from serious overseas injuries. VCU Medical Center has experience coordinating care with federal workers' compensation programs.
Inova Fairfax Hospital
3300 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 776-4001
Inova Fairfax serves Northern Virginia's large contractor population with comprehensive trauma and emergency services. As the region's busiest hospital, it has extensive experience with diverse injury types and offers specialized programs for traumatic injuries, spinal cord damage, and brain injuries common in DBA cases. The facility's location makes it convenient for contractors working with defense companies in the area.
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth 620 John Paul Jones Circle Portsmouth, VA 23708 (757) 953-1110
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth provides care for military personnel and civilian contractors. Located near Norfolk, it offers specialized services for combat-related injuries, psychological trauma, and conditions related to overseas deployment. The facility understands the unique challenges DBA claimants face and has experience working with Defense Base Act claims.
University of Virginia Medical Center
1215 Lee Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 924-0000
UVA Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center serving western and central parts of the state. The hospital offers advanced care for complex injuries, including specialized orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and comprehensive rehabilitation services valuable for contractors with severe injuries. UVA's reputation for excellence makes it a top choice for contractors needing specialized treatment.
Mental Health Resources
Psychological injuries like PTSD are common among overseas contractors, especially those who've worked in combat zones or hostile environments. Virginia offers several specialized mental health facilities experienced in treating deployment-related trauma:
- Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center (Hampton Roads region) - Experienced in treating veterans and contractors with combat-related PTSD
- Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents (Richmond area) - Specialized youth services for dependents affected by contractor injuries
- Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (Central Virginia) - Comprehensive mental health services including trauma therapy
- Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (Falls Church area) - Convenient for Northern Virginia contractors, specializes in PTSD and deployment trauma
Appealing Your Virginia DBA Claim in Federal Court
If you disagree with an Administrative Law Judge's decision on your Defense Base Act claim, you have the right to appeal through the federal court system. Understanding the strict deadlines and specific procedures for filing appeals is critical, as missing these deadlines can cost you your right to appeal entirely.
You must file a notice of appeal to the Benefits Review Board (BRB) within 30 days of the ALJ's order. If you then seek judicial review of the BRB's decision, you must file a petition for review in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals within 60 days of the BRB's decision, not in U.S. District Court. For DBA cases, venue in the Court of Appeals is governed by the DBA's special venue rule, which looks to the location of the District Director's office that filed or served the order. Depending on that office, many cases from Virginia proceed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, but venue can vary based on your specific circumstances.
These appeals have strict, jurisdictional deadlines and specialized briefing requirements. Federal appellate courts don't accept late filings, and you can't extend these deadlines. An attorney experienced with DBA and LHWCA appeals can help protect your rights at each step of the process.
Why Legal Representation Matters for Appeals
Federal court appeals involve complex legal procedures and substantive law arguments that differ significantly from the initial administrative claim. The appellate process requires detailed legal briefs, adherence to strict formatting rules, and a thorough understanding of precedent in your circuit. Our attorneys at Grossman Attorneys have extensive experience handling DBA appeals in federal courts, including the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. We understand the specific requirements of each court and can effectively present your case for maximum compensation.
Don't navigate the federal appeals process alone. If your DBA claim has been denied or you've received inadequate compensation, contact our experienced team to discuss your appeal options.
Types of Injuries Covered
The Defense Base Act encompasses various injuries sustained by employees working overseas under U.S. government contracts. You can receive compensation for physical injuries, psychological conditions, and occupational diseases that occur during employment abroad. Understanding what injuries qualify helps you recognize when you have a valid DBA claim.
Physical Injuries
The DBA provides compensation for numerous physical injuries resulting from work-related incidents or conditions. Contractors commonly file claims for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, hearing loss due to high noise exposure, severe burns, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Coverage also extends to occupational diseases caused by exposure to hazardous substances, including respiratory illnesses from dust or chemical exposure. Even injuries outside standard work duties, such as slips while heading to dining facilities or gym-related accidents, are compensable if linked to your employment. For example, if you're injured walking from your barracks to your work site on a military base, that injury is covered because it occurred during the course of your employment.
Psychological Injuries
The DBA recognizes the toll that high-stress overseas environments can take on workers' mental health. Psychological injuries are compensable under the Act, including conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Contractors who've worked in combat zones or hostile environments are particularly vulnerable to these conditions.
Symptoms that qualify for DBA coverage may include sleep disorders, frequent flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, avoidance of triggering environments, and strain in personal relationships. Psychological claims are vital for those in hostile or demanding work settings that impact their mental well-being. You don't need to have a physical injury to file a DBA claim for psychological conditions.
Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Injuries
Under the DBA, injuries are categorized into two main types that determine how compensation is calculated:
Scheduled Injuries: These involve specific body parts listed in the DBA's compensation schedule, such as loss of an arm, leg, hand, foot, eye, or hearing. The law provides a predetermined number of weeks of compensation based on the specific body part affected.
Non-Scheduled Injuries: These include injuries to body parts not specifically listed in the schedule, such as back injuries, head injuries, or internal organ damage. Compensation for non-scheduled injuries is based on your loss of wage-earning capacity rather than a predetermined schedule.
Understanding these different types of injuries and their classifications under the DBA is crucial for securing proper compensation. Whether you're dealing with physical trauma, psychological challenges, or a combination of both, our experienced team has the expertise to help you navigate your claim and fight for the full benefits you deserve.
Understanding the Defense Base Act Claim Process
The Defense Base Act claim process can be complex, requiring you to navigate multiple legal steps and meet strict deadlines. Understanding this process helps you protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. The federal system has specific requirements that differ from state workers' compensation systems.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for DBA benefits, you must meet specific federal criteria. You need to be a civilian contractor working outside the U.S. on a U.S. military base or under a government contract for public works or national defense. Your injuries or illnesses must directly relate to your employment activities for coverage to apply. This includes injuries that occur during work hours, during transit between work sites, and even during recreational activities on base if they're part of your employment environment.
Steps to File a Claim
Notify Your Employer: You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. While the law gives you 30 days to provide written notice, it's best to report immediately. Delays in reporting can give insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim. Document this notification in writing, even if you initially report verbally.
Submit Employee's Claim Form: File Form LS-203 (Employee's Claim for Compensation) with the Department of Labor within one year of your injury. This form officially starts your DBA claim process. Don't assume your employer will file this for you. You're responsible for ensuring it gets filed on time.
Submit Supporting Documentation: Gather and submit medical records, employment verification, wage statements, and any other evidence supporting your claim. Collect this documentation as soon as possible after an injury. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your claim.
Common Challenges in Filing DBA Claims
At Grossman Attorneys, we understand the frustration and anxiety you may face when filing a DBA claim. We've seen firsthand how insurance companies challenge or deny valid claims, whether by disputing your injury's severity, questioning its work-related nature, or scrutinizing psychological conditions like PTSD.
Common DBA claim challenges we help clients overcome include:
- Denied or disputed claims based on technicalities
- Reduced compensation offers that don't reflect full benefits
- Questions about injury severity or permanency
- Challenges to work-related connections of injuries
- Scrutiny of psychological conditions and mental health claims
- Missed deadlines or filing requirements
- Incomplete documentation issues that weaken claims
- Insurance company delay tactics
DBA Claims Don't Include Non-Economic Damages
DBA benefits focus solely on economic damages. Compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits for dependents but excludes non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Unlike personal injury lawsuits, DBA compensation is fault-independent, meaning benefits are provided regardless of how an accident occurred. You don't need to prove negligence or that your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits.
If you're uncertain about navigating the DBA process or facing difficulties with your claim, our legal team can assist you. Whether you're preparing your claim, addressing a denied case, or considering legal representation, we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Our Virginia DBA Insurance Claim Attorneys Can Help
Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through every step of the DBA claim process, whether you're filing or appealing a claim. Our experience with the unique challenges contractors face ensures your rights are protected throughout the process.
Navigating Complex Legalities
DBA cases involve intricate legal requirements, including compliance with strict deadlines and filing procedures. Our team understands the nuances of the Defense Base Act and its connection to laws like the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. We're familiar with how cases move through the federal system and what pitfalls to avoid.
We can help you properly report your injury using Form LS-201, manage jurisdictional challenges, and address the complexities of the "Zone of Special Danger Doctrine," which covers injuries sustained under unique circumstances related to your employment. This doctrine is particularly relevant for contractors working in hostile environments overseas.
Maximizing Compensation
With over 40 years of experience handling DBA claims, our attorneys know exactly what it takes to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. We'll leverage our expertise to:
- Build a comprehensive case with detailed medical evidence
- Calculate the full value of your current and future medical expenses
- Document all disability-related impacts on your earning capacity
- Secure coverage for necessary vocational rehabilitation
- Challenge inadequate settlement offers from insurance companies
- Fight for full compensation for both physical and psychological injuries
- Ensure all deadlines and documentation requirements are met precisely
With our proven track record in Defense Base Act litigation, we won't settle for less than what you're entitled to under the law. You deserve aggressive representation that fights for every dollar of benefits.
Securing a Smoother Process
We know how overwhelming it can be to handle DBA claims while trying to recover from your injuries or support your family. That's why our team takes on the full burden of your case. We'll serve as your dedicated advocates, managing every aspect of your claim so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Our experienced attorneys will:
- Handle all communications with insurance representatives
- Ensure your documentation is complete and properly filed
- Navigate complex negotiations on your behalf
- Represent your interests aggressively in litigation if needed
- Help you avoid costly mistakes and delays
- Keep you informed throughout the entire process
- Coordinate with medical facilities for your treatment
You don't have to face this challenging time alone. Let us handle the legal complexities while you concentrate on healing and taking care of your family. With our proven expertise in DBA claims, we'll fight to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.
How Are Defense Base Act Attorneys Paid?
Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, the employer or their insurance carrier, not you, is responsible for paying attorney fees in successful DBA claims. This means our legal representation comes at no cost to you and you keep your entire settlement. This fee structure removes the financial barrier to getting quality legal representation when you need it most.
Statute of Limitations for DBA Claims in Virginia
Understanding the statute of limitations for Defense Base Act claims is vital. Missing these federal deadlines can jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation under the DBA. The time limits depend on the nature of the injury or illness, and you must comply with these federal requirements even though they differ from state workers' compensation deadlines.
Traumatic Injuries
For traumatic injuries, you must file your claim within one year. The clock begins ticking from the date the injury occurs. For example, if you sustain a back injury while working on a government contract overseas, your claim needs to be filed within this one-year window to be considered valid for compensation. This deadline is strict, and courts can't extend it even if you have a good reason for missing it.
Occupational Diseases
Occupational diseases, such as PTSD or respiratory conditions, have a longer statute of limitations. The filing deadline is two years from the date you become aware, or reasonably should have become aware, of the connection between your illness and your employment. For instance, if you're diagnosed with work-related PTSD six months after completing your contract, the two-year period starts at the time of diagnosis or awareness, not your employment end date.
This awareness standard is important for contractors who may not realize their psychological or physical symptoms are work-related until months or even years after returning home. The key date is when you knew or should have known about the connection to your overseas work.
Importance of Filing On Time
Complying with these time limits is essential for keeping your legal rights intact. If you file late, you might face severe barriers to securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or other benefits. The statute protects both injured workers and employers by setting clear guidelines for handling claims. An experienced DBA attorney can help ensure you meet all deadlines and don't lose your right to compensation due to procedural mistakes.
Benefits Available to Virginians Under the Defense Base Act
The Defense Base Act provides vital compensation for contractors injured while performing overseas work for the U.S. government. Understanding these benefits ensures you know your rights and can better navigate the claims process. The federal system provides comprehensive coverage that differs from state workers' compensation systems.
Medical Benefits
The DBA covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injury or occupational illness. This includes hospitalizations, surgeries, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, rehabilitation services, and prescription medications. If you're unable to travel for your treatment, the Act may also cover medical transportation costs, which is particularly valuable for contractors receiving care at specialized facilities.
Medical benefits continue for as long as it's necessary to treat your condition, regardless of when the injury or illness occurred. For example, if you require ongoing therapy for injuries sustained at a defense base, those treatments are included under this coverage without additional out-of-pocket expenses. These benefits play a critical role in ensuring your recovery without financial strain.
Disability Benefits
Disability benefits under the DBA compensate for lost wages due to an inability to work. You can receive coverage under four categories:
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): You receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages while completely unable to work during recovery. This continues until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you're working fewer hours or earning less due to your injury, benefits cover a percentage of the lost income. This helps contractors who can work part-time but can't return to full employment.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): For injuries preventing you from ever returning to any type of work, this provides two-thirds of your wages for life. These are the most valuable benefits available under the DBA.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Covers loss of earnings capacity for permanent injuries that allow some level of work. This is common for contractors who can't return to physically demanding overseas work but can perform other jobs.
These payments align with your average weekly wages, up to a statutory maximum of $1,030.78 per week as per current law. If you're unsure which category encompasses your situation, legal counsel can clarify your entitlements and fight for the proper classification.
Vocational Rehabilitation
For contractors deemed permanently disabled and unable to return to their previous roles, vocational rehabilitation services facilitate career transitions. These programs are often coordinated by the Department of Labor and focus on helping you explore new career opportunities, obtain necessary training, and reintegrate into the workforce.
Rehabilitation is an essential tool to ensure financial stability, especially if your injuries permanently alter your earning capacity. For example, if you're unable to continue in a physically demanding security role overseas, this service might help you pivot into an administrative or technical field.
Death Benefits
The DBA provides financial support to eligible survivors if a covered worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness. Families can receive compensation that includes:
Surviving spouse or one child: Half the worker's average weekly wage for life or until remarriage.
Surviving spouse and two or more dependents: Up to two-thirds of the wage, with a cap on maximum weekly benefits.
Funeral expenses: Coverage for reasonable burial costs up to $3,000.
These death benefits reduce the financial burden on surviving families during tragic circumstances. For instance, a surviving spouse and three children might cover living expenses through this compensation structure, offering long-term support. The benefits continue for children until they reach age 18, or age 23 if they're full-time students.
Contact Our Virginia Defense Base Act Lawyers Today for Help
Overseas contractors deserve aggressive legal representation when fighting for Defense Base Act benefits. At Grossman Attorneys, we've successfully helped countless contractors from across the Commonwealth secure the full compensation they deserve. Our deep expertise in DBA law, combined with our unwavering commitment to our clients, sets us apart in handling these complex cases.
We understand the unique challenges you face. Whether you deployed from Norfolk's naval installations, worked for defense contractors in Northern Virginia, or provided services from any military hub in the state, we know the industries, employers, and medical facilities that are part of your claim. Our team has handled cases involving contractors from every corner of the Commonwealth, from Virginia Beach to Arlington, from Richmond to Charlottesville.
Don't risk your future by facing insurance companies alone or missing critical deadlines. Our dedicated team will protect your rights, handle all legal complexities, and fight tirelessly for your maximum benefits, all at no cost to you. Let us shoulder this burden while you focus on what matters most: your recovery and your family.
Contact us today for a free consultation and experience the difference that having a trusted, experienced law firm on your side can make. We're ready to fight for you.
*If you hire Grossman Attorneys for your DBA case, you pay no attorney fees for our service. When we win your claim, the employer or its insurer typically pays a DOL-approved attorney’s fee and any case expenses we advanced are reimbursed from the recovery. If we don't win, you pay nothing.