If you’ve been injured while working for a defense contractor overseas, you’re facing a unique legal challenge that most attorneys simply don’t handle. The Defense Base Act provides vital benefits to workers like you, but securing them requires negotiating complex federal procedures and dealing with specialized insurance companies that know how to minimize claims. Finding the right Northern Virginia Defense Base Act lawyer can mean the difference between receiving full compensation and walking away with nothing. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Defense Base Act Coverage for North Virginia Contractors
When North Virginia contractors deploy overseas to support U.S. military operations or government projects, they’re protected by a specialized federal law called the Defense Base Act. This coverage extends to you if you’re working on U.S. military bases abroad, handling public works contracts, or supporting foreign assistance programs.
Major North Virginia employers like KBR, Fluor, and DynCorp carry Defense Base Act insurance for their overseas workers. The Virginia DBA protects all civilian employees on qualifying contracts, regardless of citizenship status.
If you’re injured during deployment, you’re entitled to full medical treatment and disability compensation.
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations to preserve your rights under the Defense Base Act.
Key Qualities to Look for in a Northern Virginia DBA Attorney
Because Defense Base Act claims involve federal law and specialized Department of Labor procedures that differ markedly from standard workers’ compensation cases, you’ll need an attorney with dedicated DBA experience, not just general personal injury credentials.
Your Virginia Defense Base Act attorney should regularly handle DOL proceedings and federal appeals, understand overseas injury documentation, and offer contingency fees so you’re not paying upfront costs.
Look for responsive 24/7 availability and free consultations, since DBA filings have strict deadlines.
A Defense Base Act attorney with proven settlements demonstrates they’ll fight insurers effectively while you focus on recovery.
If your initial claim is denied, a seasoned lawyer can pursue an appeal and use strong medical evidence and witness documentation to overcome insurer objections.
How Virginia-Based DBA Lawyers Handle Complex Claims
Maneuvering a Defense Base Act claim from Virginia requires meticulous attention to federal deadlines and procedures that most personal injury attorneys never encounter.
Your Virginia defense base lawyer will gather deployment orders, employment contracts, and medical records to prove your injury happened during covered work. They’ll file with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, negotiate with specialized insurance carriers, and push for two-thirds of your wages during disability.
When insurers dispute your claim, experienced defense base act attorneys prepare for administrative hearings and federal appeals, handling every technical requirement while you focus on recovery.
They also develop evidence to preempt common insurer arguments and denials by compiling treatment records and supervisor reports that document work relation, severity, and long-term limitations.
Benefits Available to Injured Contractors Under the Defense Base Act
Your Defense Base Act benefits package encompasses far more than a simple workers’ compensation check.
When you’re injured as a government contractor overseas, defense base act benefits include complete medical treatment for your injuries, disability payments equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wages, and coverage for severe conditions like permanent disabilities.
If you’ve suffered partial disability that reduces your earning capacity, you’ll receive adjusted compensation.
The defense base act also protects your family. Should the worst happen, your surviving spouse and children receive funeral expense coverage plus structured weekly payments to help them maintain financial stability.
Steps to Take When Selecting Your Virginia DBA Legal Representative
When selecting a Defense Base Act attorney in Northern Virginia, you’ll need to dig deeper than a quick online search. You deserve representation that truly understands your overseas injury claim and fights for every benefit you’ve earned.
- Verify specific DBA case experience, not just general workers’ compensation knowledge
- Confirm Virginia licensure and local federal practice credentials in Northern Virginia or Norfolk
- Ask about contingency fees so you pay nothing unless you win
- Check their OWCP appeals experience and settlement negotiation track record
- Request client references from cases involving major defense contractors
Virginia defense base attorneys worth hiring will offer free consultations and demonstrate genuine commitment to your recovery.
What Makes Grossman Attorneys at Law the Best Defense Base Act Lawyers in Northern Virginia?
- Deep Understanding of Defense Base Act Law – The firm focuses exclusively on longshore and maritime law, with Howard Grossman bringing more than 40 years of experience and having authored numerous books on DBA cases.
- Proven Track Record with High-Value Settlements – Grossman Attorneys has earned a reputation for achieving some of the highest DBA settlements in the industry through thorough case preparation and aggressive advocacy.
- Accessible Legal Support When You Need It Most – Clients speak directly with attorneys, receive same-day email responses, and work with a dedicated team of an attorney and paralegal.
- Multilingual Capabilities for Diverse Contractors – The firm operates in English, Spanish, Creole, French, Russian, and Ukrainian, allowing effective communication with North Virginia’s diverse contractor community and handling of international documentation.
- Trial-Ready Litigators, Not Just Settlers – The firm’s attorneys are experienced litigators prepared to take cases to trial when doing so offers the best opportunity for full compensation.
Let Our North Virginia DBA Law Firm Help With Your Claim
Once you’ve identified the qualities that matter in a Defense Base Act attorney, the next step is connecting with a firm that delivers on those promises.
Our North Virginia team understands the unique challenges contractors face after overseas injuries. We’re available 24/7 for free, confidential consultations to evaluate your Defense Base Act claim and outline your path forward.
Working on contingency means you won’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation. We handle everything: filing with the Department of Labor, securing medical care, negotiating with insurers, and litigating appeals when necessary.
Let’s shoulder the legal burden while you focus on recovery.
