When a contractor from Pittsburgh suffered a traumatic brain injury while supporting operations in Afghanistan, his claim was initially denied because the insurance carrier argued his injury happened outside his work duties. You’re facing similar challenges if you’ve been hurt working overseas under a U.S. government contract, and finding the right Defense Base Act attorney in Pennsylvania can mean the difference between a denied claim and full compensation. The attorneys you choose will determine whether your medical bills get covered and your family stays financially stable during recovery.
Understanding Defense Base Act Coverage for Pennsylvania Contractors Working Overseas
Understanding Defense Base Act Coverage for Pennsylvania Contractors Working Overseas
The Defense Base Act provides mandatory workers’ compensation coverage for Pennsylvania contractors whose employees work on overseas projects supporting U.S. military operations or government initiatives. Pennsylvania contractors must obtain DBA insurance whether their team constructs facilities in Japan or provides support services in Afghanistan. Civilian contractors exposed to burn pits in locations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait may have viable DBA claims for illnesses linked to toxic fumes at overseas bases.
This federal law, enacted in 1941 and codified at 42 U.S.C. § 1651-1654, covers all civilian workers on U.S. military bases abroad, public works projects, and government-approved contracts. Overseas compliance isn’t optional—contractors must secure authorized insurance through carriers approved by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs before work begins.
The Department of Labor reported 9,667 new DBA claims filed in fiscal year 2022. Coverage exceptions apply to fewer than 5% of overseas government contracts, primarily affecting certain intelligence personnel and specific diplomatic mission staff.
Understanding these obligations protects both workers and businesses from liability that can exceed $1 million per serious injury claim. If a claim is denied, contractors and employees should know that appeals are available and that strong documentation and experienced DBA attorneys can significantly improve outcomes.
Key Qualifications to Look for in Pennsylvania Defense Base Act Attorneys
Selecting a qualified Defense Base Act attorney determines whether you’ll receive full compensation or face years of denied claims and financial hardship. You need someone with proven DBA-specific experience who understands medical causation, the complex link between your injury and overseas work conditions. Your attorney should navigate claims jurisdiction confidently, knowing whether federal or state proceedings apply. They should also anticipate and counter common insurer arguments and denials by gathering robust medical and workplace evidence, including documentation supporting the zone of special danger. Look for lawyers who’ve secured substantial settlements, handled appeals successfully, and clearly explain your rights without legal jargon. They’ll work on contingency, meaning you won’t pay unless you win. Their expertise directly impacts your financial recovery and peace of mind. Experienced attorneys should also understand DBA waivers and how the Department of Labor administers the War Hazard Compensation Act, which can affect coverage for war‑risk–related injuries and benefits.
Major Defense Contractors and Military Support Companies Based in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s defense industry powerhouse employs tens of thousands of workers across 67 counties, creating countless opportunities for overseas Defense Base Act employment.
You’ll find yourself among a thriving community of defense professionals supported by robust aerospace clusters and advanced supply chains integration throughout the state.
Major contractors providing DBA-covered positions include:
- Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman – employing over 10,000 workers in aerospace and defense manufacturing
- General Dynamics Mission Systems – operating multiple facilities in Pittsburgh, Charleroi, and Canonsburg
- L3Harris and Leidos – providing technology and engineering support for military contracts
- DLA Troop Support – managing military procurement and logistics from Philadelphia headquarters
Workers can access official Longshore/DBA claim forms and submission instructions, including SEAPortal filing, to properly submit LS-201/202/203/207 forms or mail them as required.
Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation With a Pennsylvania DBA Lawyer
Your initial consultation with a Pennsylvania DBA lawyer allows you to evaluate whether they possess the specialized knowledge needed for Defense Base Act claims and to establish clear expectations about costs and timelines.
Ask specific questions about how many Defense Base Act cases they’ve handled in the past 12 months, what percentage of their practice focuses on DBA claims rather than general workers’ compensation, and whether they’ve experience with cases involving your specific type of injury or employer.
Request information about their fee structure, including whether they work on contingency (typically 20-33% of awarded benefits in DBA cases) and what out-of-pocket expenses you might incur for medical records, expert witnesses, or administrative filings.
Discuss the expected timeline from initial filing to potential hearing, which according to the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs typically ranges from 6 to 18 months depending on case complexity and whether your claim is disputed.
Ask about their success rate in securing benefits at the initial claims stage versus those requiring formal hearings, and request references from past DBA clients if possible.
Clarify how often you can expect updates on your case progress and who’ll handle day-to-day communications (the attorney directly or a paralegal).
Getting specific, quantifiable answers to these questions during your first meeting provides the foundation for selecting representation that matches your needs and understanding the practical realities of pursuing your Defense Base Act claim.
Experience With DBA Cases
Evaluating an attorney’s hands-on experience with Defense Base Act cases can make the difference between a denied claim and the full compensation you deserve. You need someone who’s navigated overseas jurisdiction complexities and successfully pursued psychological claims like PTSD.
Ask specific questions about their track record:
- How many DBA cases have they personally handled and tried?
- What settlements or awards have they secured for clients?
- Do they understand emerging issues like burn pit exposure?
- Can they counter insurance carrier tactics effectively?
Their answers reveal whether they’ll fight aggressively for maximum compensation or settle too quickly.
Fee Structure and Costs
Once you’ve found an attorney with solid DBA experience, understanding how they’ll charge for their services becomes your next priority.
In DBA cases, employers’ insurance companies typically pay attorney fees when you win, meaning you won’t face upfront costs or hourly bills. You’ll want to confirm your consultation is free and request a written fee agreement before representation begins. Ask about potential expenses like medical records or expert witnesses.
Fee transparency matters here since all charges require Department of Labor approval under 33 U.S.C. § 928, which caps attorney fees at 25% of compensation awarded or a maximum of $8,500 for administrative proceedings. Also inquire about their dispute resolution process if billing questions arise during your claim.
Case Timeline and Strategy
Understanding what lies ahead in your DBA claim helps you plan financially and emotionally for the journey.
Most cases take 12 to 36 months from initial filing to final resolution, depending on injury complexity and cooperation from all parties.
Your lawyer should explain each stage and how proper preparation accelerates your case.
Essential questions about timeline and strategy include:
- What’s the complete timeline from filing through resolution?
- How do medical documentation quality and claim deadlines affect my case?
- Can mediation speed up my settlement, or will I need trial?
- What factors typically cause delays in DBA claims?
Your attorney’s answers reveal their experience and commitment to your success.
How Pennsylvania Workers Can File a Defense Base Act Claim
Filing a Defense Base Act claim requires you to understand three critical components that can determine whether your claim succeeds or fails.
You’ll need to confirm your eligibility under the DBA, meet strict filing deadlines that differ from typical workers’ compensation cases, and gather thorough documentation that proves your injury occurred while working on a covered contract.
Getting these fundamentals right from the start greatly improves your chances of receiving the medical coverage and wage replacement benefits you’re entitled to under federal law.
Understanding DBA Eligibility Requirements
When Pennsylvania workers accept overseas employment with government contractors, they’re often unaware that they’ve entered a specialized legal framework entirely separate from standard workers’ compensation.
Your eligibility hinges on specific criteria that determine whether you’re part of this protected community of overseas workers.
Key eligibility factors include:
- Employment under qualifying U.S. government contracts or military support agreements
- Work performed on military bases, overseas territories, or foreign locations
- Contractual verification linking your duties to covered activities
- Medical causation establishing your injury’s connection to employment responsibilities
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, resident, or local hire abroad, you’re entitled to DBA protection when injured performing contract-related duties.
Filing Deadlines and Procedures
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for Defense Base Act coverage, your next challenge is navigating a federal claims process with strict deadlines that can permanently bar your right to compensation if missed.
You’ll need effective deadline strategies from the start: report your injury within 30 days, then file your formal claim (Form LS-203) within one year. Occupational diseases like PTSD allow two years from diagnosis.
Successful claim drafting requires meticulous documentation of your injury’s connection to overseas work.
Pennsylvania workers face federal requirements regardless of state rules, making experienced legal guidance essential for protecting your rights.
Required Documentation and Evidence
Required Documentation and Evidence
Building a successful Defense Base Act claim requires assembling a thorough evidence package that proves both your injury and its connection to your overseas work.
You’ll need comprehensive medical documentation from licensed healthcare providers, including treatment records and diagnostic test results.
Equally important is incident evidence that establishes when and how your injury occurred.
Essential documents include:
- Complete medical reports detailing your diagnosis, treatment plan, and work restrictions
- Employer incident reports and your written statement describing the workplace event
- Witness statements from coworkers who observed what happened
- Employment records proving your job status and duties at the time of injury
Evaluating Case Results and Client Testimonials From Pennsylvania DBA Law Firms
The most reliable indicator of a law firm’s capability in Defense Base Act cases lies in their documented track record of successful outcomes and feedback from former clients.
When reviewing Pennsylvania DBA attorneys, you’ll want to examine client reviews that describe communication quality, responsiveness, and results achieved.
Look for outcome trends showing consistent success in settlements, trial verdicts, or claim denials if you’re an employer.
Firms with quantifiable results, like $5 million to $10 million recovered for injured workers over a 3-year period or defense verdicts saving $500,000 to $2 million in costs, demonstrate proven competence.
These concrete achievements help you find representation aligned with your specific needs.
What Makes Grossman Attorneys at Law the Best Defense Base Act Lawyers in Pennsylvania?
- 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 Pennsylvania’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 The Pennsylvania DBA Lawyers at Grossman Attorneys Help With Your Claim
If you’re a Pennsylvania contractor who’s been injured while working overseas, you deserve legal representation that’s as committed and tough as you are. Grossman Attorneys at Law are a top-rated Defense Base Act claim law firm that have helped hundreds of individuals navigate the DBA claim process and secure the benefits they’ve earned.
Led by Howard Grossman, a seasoned attorney with 40+ years of distinguished experience and a preeminent national reputation in DBA and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act claimant representation, the firm brings unmatched expertise to every case. Howard’s extensive knowledge of both law and medicine allows him to go toe-to-toe with the most knowledgeable experts, giving clients a powerful advantage in complex litigation.
Grossman Attorneys take cases nationwide, with offices in Florida and Washington, DC, and they’re fully equipped to represent contractors no matter where their injury occurred or where they’re currently located. The firm is known for professionalism, integrity, and a proactive litigation style that earns respect from defense attorneys and results for clients.
