Finding the right Defense Base Act lawyer in Texas can make the difference between a denied claim and the compensation you’ve earned. If you’ve been injured while working overseas for a U.S. contractor, you’re facing a complex federal system with strict deadlines and insurance companies ready to minimize your benefits. The stakes are too high to navigate alone or trust just any attorney. Here’s what you need to know before making this critical decision.
The Defense Base Act and Texas Contractors
If you’re a Texas resident working overseas on a U.S. military base or supporting defense operations abroad, the Defense Base Act provides vital workers’ compensation coverage when you’re injured on the job.
This federal law protects contractors, subcontractors, and civilian employees performing work on behalf of the U.S. government in foreign countries, ensuring you’ll receive medical benefits and wage replacement regardless of where the injury occurs.
Texas is home to major defense contractors and thousands of workers who deploy to hazardous locations, making it essential to understand what coverage you’re entitled to and which industries typically fall under DBA protection.
Who is Covered Under the Defense Base Act
Texas plays a significant role in defense contracting, with major military installations like Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, and numerous defense contractors headquartered throughout the state employing thousands of Texans on overseas projects.
When you’re working abroad under U.S. government contracts, you’re protected by the Defense Base Act regardless of your job title.
Coverage extends to construction workers, IT specialists, translators, security personnel, truck drivers, and administrative staff.
You’re covered whether you’re building infrastructure in the Middle East, providing logistics support in Africa, or maintaining equipment at a remote base.
Even subcontractors and employees of local firms working on U.S.-funded projects qualify.
If your work supports American military or reconstruction efforts overseas, you likely have DBA protection—and that means you deserve proper representation when injuries occur.
What Benefits Are Available
When you’re injured overseas as a Texas-based contractor, the Defense Base Act provides all-encompassing benefits that mirror workers’ compensation but often require persistent advocacy to obtain.
You’re entitled to bi-monthly disability payments covering two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you’re unable to work.
The Act also covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing care—without the caps that limit many insurance policies.
If your injury results in permanent impairment, you’ll receive compensation based on a schedule of injuries.
For severe disabilities, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation to help you return to suitable employment.
Additionally, your family can receive benefits if the worst happens.
These protections guarantee you’re not abandoned after serving America’s defense interests abroad.
Common Texas DBA Industries
Thousands of Texans deploy overseas each year to support U.S. military operations, working for defense contractors headquartered in or operating from the state. You’ll find Texas workers in construction, security, logistics, IT support, medical services, and facility maintenance across bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones. These roles carry real danger—from hostile fire and explosions to vehicle accidents and equipment failures.
If you’ve been injured abroad, you’re entitled to DBA protection regardless of your employer’s size or your job title. The challenge comes after you return home to Texas. Insurance carriers often delay claims, dispute injuries, or offer inadequate settlements. That’s when specialized legal representation becomes essential to secure the indemnity and medical benefits you’ve earned through your overseas service.
Top Defense Contractors in Texas
Across the Lone Star State, major defense contractors employ thousands of civilians who work on military installations, shipyards, and overseas projects covered by the Defense Base Act.
You’ll find Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility building F-35 fighters, Raytheon’s McKinney campus developing missile systems, and General Dynamics maintaining submarine components.
Bell Textron’s assembly lines in Amarillo produce military helicopters, while KBR and Fluor coordinate logistics for overseas bases.
BAE Systems operates armor facilities in Sealy, and L3Harris supports communication systems statewide.
When you’re injured working for these contractors—whether stateside or abroad—you’re entitled to DBA benefits.
Connecting with a specialized attorney guarantees you navigate claims properly and secure the compensation you’ve earned through your service to our nation’s defense.
How Do DBA Lawyers Help Your Claim?
A Defense Base Act lawyer shapes your claim strategy by gathering medical records, witness statements, and employer documentation to build compelling evidence of your injury and entitlement.
Your attorney maximizes compensation by calculating all available benefits—including disability payments, medical treatment, and vocational rehabilitation—while steering the complex procedures of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), the Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ), and the Benefits Review Board (BRB).
Whether negotiating a settlement with insurers or advocating at a formal hearing, your lawyer protects your interests and pursues the full recovery you’re owed.
Claim Strategy And Evidence Development
Because Defense Base Act claims involve complex federal procedures and insurance company resistance, your lawyer builds a thorough evidence strategy from day one. They’ll gather your medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and employment documentation to establish every element of your claim. Your attorney analyzes how the injury occurred, documents its impact on your earning capacity, and secures expert medical opinions linking your condition to the workplace incident.
They’ll also identify gaps insurers might exploit and proactively address them. By organizing timelines, photographing injuries, and preserving digital evidence before it disappears, your lawyer creates an airtight narrative. This strategic approach means you’re not facing adjusters alone—you’re part of a team that anticipates challenges and builds the strongest possible foundation for maximum compensation.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Your Defense Base Act lawyer doesn’t simply file paperwork—they actively fight to maximize every dollar you’re owed. They’ll calculate the full value of your claim, including current and future wage loss, ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and disability ratings.
Your attorney challenges lowball settlement offers by presenting compelling medical evidence, expert testimony, and detailed earning histories that prove your true losses. They know which benefits you qualify for and won’t let insurers shortchange your disability rating or prematurely close your medical coverage.
When insurance companies dispute permanency or work capacity, your lawyer builds ironclad arguments for maximum compensation. This aggressive advocacy guarantees you receive fair bi-monthly payments and thorough medical care for as long as you need it.
Navigating OWCP, OALJ, And BRB
Securing maximum compensation requires your lawyer to guide you through three federal agencies that oversee Defense Base Act claims.
First, the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers your claim and processes benefit payments. When disputes arise, your case moves to the Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ), where an administrative law judge conducts formal hearings and issues decisions on contested issues like injury causation or wage calculations.
If you’re dissatisfied with that ruling, your attorney can appeal to the Benefits Review Board (BRB), which reviews legal errors and guarantees proper application of DBA law. Steering this three-tier system demands specialized knowledge—your lawyer files timely paperwork, argues persuasively at hearings, and appeals unfavorable rulings to protect your benefits at every level.
Negotiation Versus Trial Advocacy
Although most Defense Base Act claims settle before reaching a formal hearing, your lawyer must excel at both negotiation and courtroom advocacy to maximize your recovery.
You need an attorney who’ll aggressively bargain with insurance carriers while preparing for trial if settlement talks fail.
Strong negotiators leverage case strengths to secure fair compensation without prolonged litigation, saving you time and stress.
However, insurers often take stronger positions when they sense reluctance to litigate. That’s why you’ll want a lawyer with proven courtroom experience—someone who’s successfully argued before Office of Administrative Law Judges and the Benefits Review Board.
This dual capability guarantees insurers know you’re prepared to fight, motivating them to offer reasonable settlements while guaranteeing robust representation if your case proceeds to hearing.
How To Choose The Best Defense Base Act Lawyer in Texas
When you’re selecting a Defense Base Act attorney in Texas, you’ll want to focus on five critical factors that separate genuine specialists from general practitioners.
First, confirm the lawyer maintains a concentrated practice in DBA claims rather than handling workers’ compensation as just one of many practice areas.
Second, verify they represent overseas contractors nationwide—not merely local clients—and have a track record of successful hearings, strong communication practices, and the resources to support injured workers anywhere in the world.
Look for Specialized Focus and Experience
Because Defense Base Act cases involve unique federal statutes and specialized procedures that differ sharply from standard workers’ compensation claims, you’ll need an attorney who focuses specifically on DBA law.
Look for lawyers who’ve handled numerous overseas contractor injury cases and understand the nuances of federal jurisdiction, carrier defenses, and administrative hearing procedures.
Ask candidates about their track record with DBA claims—how many cases they’ve resolved, their success rate at hearings, and their familiarity with common insurer tactics.
Attorneys who concentrate on Defense Base Act work stay current on regulatory changes, know the administrative law judges, and maintain relationships with medical experts who understand contractor injuries.
This specialized experience translates directly into stronger advocacy and better outcomes for injured workers like you.
National Practice, Not Just Local
Defense Base Act claims reach far beyond state lines, so limiting yourself to lawyers who practice only in Texas can narrow your options unnecessarily.
The DBA is federal law, meaning attorneys licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction can represent you before the Department of Labor. You’ll benefit from choosing counsel with a national practice who’ve handled cases across multiple regions and understand how different administrative law judges approach claims.
These lawyers typically have extensive networks, access to specialized medical experts nationwide, and deeper experience with overseas contractors and military base incidents.
Don’t feel you must hire someone down the street—the best DBA attorney for your situation might be in another state but fully equipped to advocate for your rights and secure your benefits.
Proven DBA Results and Hearing Experience
Once you’ve expanded your search beyond Texas borders, scrutinize each candidate’s track record at formal hearings before administrative law judges.
You’ll want an attorney who’s stood before the Department of Labor and won benefits for workers just like you.
Request case results that demonstrate:
- Successful appeals** of denied claims**, showing they won’t give up when insurers push back
- Victories at ALJ hearings**, proving they know how to present medical evidence and witness testimony effectively
- Settlements and awards that secured ongoing disability payments and medical coverage for injured contractors
Don’t settle for a lawyer who’s never appeared at a DBA hearing.
Your future depends on someone who’s navigated these proceedings successfully and secured the compensation our community of overseas workers deserves.
Communication and Accessibility
Even the most skilled DBA attorney becomes ineffective if you can’t reach them when decisions need to be made. Look for a lawyer who responds promptly to calls and emails, keeping you informed at every stage of your claim. You deserve a legal partner who explains developments in plain language and welcomes your questions without making you feel like a burden.
Ask potential attorneys about their communication practices during your consultation. How quickly do they typically respond? Will you work directly with the lawyer or pass through layers of paralegals? Can you text or schedule virtual meetings if you’re deployed or overseas? A responsive, accessible attorney gives you confidence that someone’s fighting for you, even when you’re thousands of miles from Texas.
Grossman Attorneys Helps Contractors Anywhere in the World
When your job takes you to remote bases in Afghanistan, construction sites in Iraq, or supply operations across the Middle East, you need a law firm that reaches beyond state lines. Grossman Attorneys represents contractors anywhere in the world, handling DBA claims regardless of where your injury occurred.
Your location doesn’t limit your access to experienced legal support:
- Remote consultation – Connect with your attorney through video calls, secure messaging, and email from any deployment location
- International coordination – Your legal team manages medical documentation, witness statements, and evidence gathering across borders
- Stateside representation – While you’re overseas, your attorney handles hearings, negotiations, and correspondence with insurers
You’re never isolated when pursuing your benefits. Grossman Attorneys ensures contractors worldwide receive dedicated advocacy and full compensation.
First Steps and Questions To Ask Before You Hire
Before you hire a Defense Base Act lawyer in Texas, you’ll need to act quickly to meet strict filing deadlines and provide proper notice of your injury.
Gather all relevant documents—medical records, employment contracts, accident reports, and correspondence with your employer or insurer—to bring to your initial consultation.
Prepare pointed questions about your attorney’s DBA experience, fee structure, and case strategy to make certain you’re selecting the right advocate for your claim.
Protecting Deadlines and Giving Notice
Because the Defense Base Act imposes strict time limits, you must act quickly after your injury to preserve your right to benefits. Missing a deadline can jeopardize your entire claim, so understanding these requirements is essential to protecting what you’ve earned.
Your attorney will make certain you meet critical timelines:
- Notice to employer: Report your injury within thirty days to maintain eligibility for compensation
- Formal claim filing: Submit your claim within one year of the injury or last voluntary payment
- Medical documentation: Gather treatment records immediately while details remain fresh and accurate
A Texas Defense Base Act lawyer monitors every deadline on your behalf, files paperwork promptly, and confirms receipt with insurers. They’ll guide you through notification procedures, draft compliant reports, and safeguard your claim from procedural dismissals that could deny you deserved compensation.
Documents To Gather For Your Consultation
Arriving at your first consultation with organized documentation allows your attorney to assess your case quickly and chart the strongest path forward.
Bring your employment contract, job description, and proof of hire with the overseas contractor or defense facility.
Include all incident reports, witness statements, and photographs documenting how your injury occurred.
Gather medical records showing diagnoses, treatment plans, and physician notes about work‑related limitations.
Provide correspondence with your employer, the insurance carrier, and claims administrator—especially denial letters or benefit calculations.
If you’ve already filed, bring your LS‑202 injury notice, LS‑203 pay order, and any hearing notices.
Collect pay stubs proving your pre‑injury wages and documentation of out‑of‑pocket medical expenses.
This thorough file empowers your lawyer to identify coverage gaps, calculate owed benefits, and build your claim efficiently.
Essential Questions To Vet Your Lawyer
Once you’ve assembled your records, shift your focus to evaluating the attorney who’ll handle your Defense Base Act claim. Ask direct questions that reveal their experience and commitment to clients like you:
- How many DBA cases have you successfully resolved, and what were the outcomes? Look for specific numbers and recent victories that demonstrate proven expertise.
- Will you personally manage my case, or will a junior associate handle it? You deserve to know who’s advocating for your benefits.
- What’s your fee structure, and do you offer contingency arrangements? Most DBA attorneys work on contingency, meaning you won’t pay unless you win.
These questions help you find an advocate who understands your situation and will fight tirelessly for your compensation.
Common DBA Claim Mistakes To Avoid
Even well‑intentioned claimants make costly errors that jeopardize their Defense Base Act benefits.
You’ll face aggressive insurer tactics—independent medical exams designed to minimize your injuries, surveillance teams recording your activities, and adjusters pushing for recorded statements you’re not required to give.
Understanding these pitfalls before they derail your claim protects your right to full compensation and prevents premature settlements that leave future medical needs unfunded.
Insurer IMEs, Surveillance, and Recorded Statements
During a Defense Base Act claim, insurers will deploy three powerful investigation tools—independent medical examinations, surveillance, and recorded statements—to guarantee or deny your benefits. You’ll face doctors hired by the carrier who’ll downplay your injuries, investigators tracking your daily activities, and adjusters pressing for on-the-record interviews designed to trap you into damaging admissions.
Protect yourself by understanding these tactics:
- Never attend an IME alone – bring your attorney to document bias and guarantee fair examination
- Assume you’re under surveillance – avoid activities that contradict your stated limitations
- Refuse recorded statements without counsel – insurers twist words to dispute your claim
Your Texas Defense Base Act lawyer knows how insurers weaponize these tools. They’ll prepare you for examinations, counter surveillance evidence, and handle all communications to safeguard your benefits.
Social Media, Travel, and Return-To-Work Pitfalls
Beyond the insurer’s direct investigation tactics, your own actions can sabotage an otherwise valid DBA claim. Posting vacation photos or activity videos on social media gives adjusters ammunition to argue you’re not truly disabled. Even innocent posts—lifting grandchildren, yard work, or travel snapshots—can be twisted to deny benefits you’ve earned.
Returning to work prematurely, even light duty, may signal you’ve recovered and trigger benefit termination. Accepting any modified-duty offer without your lawyer’s review can waive future claims.
Traveling for treatment or family visits isn’t forbidden, but undocumented trips raise red flags. Your Texas Defense Base Act attorney will guide you through these minefields, advising what activities to avoid and how to document legitimate medical appointments, so insurers can’t misconstrue your recovery journey.
Settling Too Early Or Without Full Medical Evidence
Because insurance carriers often dangle lump-sum settlements before claimants reach maximum medical improvement, you risk forfeiting thousands in future benefits by signing too soon. Without complete diagnostic records, specialist evaluations, and a clear prognosis, you can’t accurately assess your claim’s true value. A Defense Base Act lawyer in Texas makes certain you’ve gathered every piece of medical evidence before negotiating.
Protect yourself by:
- Waiting for maximum medical improvement before agreeing to any settlement figure
- Obtaining independent medical examinations** to document the full extent of your injuries
- Calculating future treatment costs** with your attorney to include ongoing care and rehabilitation
Don’t let pressure tactics rob you of the compensation you’ve earned. Your fellow contractors have learned this lesson—you can too.
Let Our Texas Defense Base Act Lawyers Help With Your Claim
When you’re ready to file your DBA claim, don’t wait; Texas law imposes strict deadlines that can jeopardize your right to compensation if you miss them. You’re not alone in this process. Thousands of Texas contractors have successfully navigated DBA claims with qualified legal help by their side.
Start by documenting your injury, gathering medical records, and notifying your employer immediately. Then reach out to a Defense Base Act attorney who understands what you’re going through. Your lawyer will handle the paperwork, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
You deserve an advocate who’ll stand with you from day one. Contact a Texas DBA attorney today to protect your rights and secure your future. Your claim matters.
