Defense Base Act Attorneys | The Turley Law Firm P.C.

Defense Base Act Lawyer Straight Talk
"No B.S. No lawyer talk, no double talk. Just old fashioned, unsweetened, unvarnished truth."
Defense Base Act Attorney - Bill Turley

Best Defense Base act Attorney - Bill Turley - Defense Base Act Lawyer Straight Talk

An insider's view of the Defense Base Act

You can search the Internet and you aren't going to find what I 'm telling you anywhere else. I give you an insider's view of the Defense Base Act and the way DBA insurance companies deny claims. Since I'm asking you to be truthful about everything, I'll be just as truthful with you.

I give you no B.S. candid, straight-up legal advice. The exact same way that I want it when I seek out legal advice. If you are wanting someone to tell you things are going great, when you need to be putting your efforts into fixing or bettering your situation, you are frankly, in the wrong place.

My job is to give you the facts of life. As they say, the good, the bad and the ugly. I'm not telling you what the DBA insurance companies do in order to deny legitimate DBA claims like yours is fair.

This isn't about fair. This is about you doing everything in you need to in order to win. You have to play by the rules. Even when the other side doesn't. As I explain, you have to be honest and truthful. Even when they lie about you. In fact, especially when they lie about you.

So, if you want an insider's view of how the DBA insurance company is going to try and beat you in court and what you need to to do in order to not fall for the insurance company's tricks and traps, then pull up a chair, and stay awhile. I know it's eye-opening and not too pleasant to hear. But, just like medicine that tastes awful, it's what you are going to need in order to win your DBA case.

Private contractors / Overseas civilian contractors and the Defense Base Act

Private contractors have deployed extensively around the world in the past decade, supporting U.S. and allied forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as assisting foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations and private businesses. Duties of contractors have included base support and maintenance, logistical supports, transportation, intelligence, communications, construction and security services.

Although contractors are not supposed to engage in offensive combat (which has not always been the case, to be frank (but confidential), private may be exposed to such stressors as gunfire, improvised explosive devices, mortars, rockets, suicide bombers, IED’s, serious injury, kidnappings, the deaths of fellow personnel and the psychological aftermath of killing.

Since before the U.S. and allied forces entered Iraq, we have been helping overseas civilian contractors successfully resolve their Defense Base Act cases.

Some things You Need To Know- some facts of life with your DBA claim

I'd like to sit here and tell you that you're going to win your DBA case, for sure. That it's all going to be alright. But I can't.

What I can tell you is that it sucks to get calls from folks that tell me that they thought they would be good. They hired some lawyer they found on the Internet for their DBA case that told them what they wanted to hear. It sucks when folks lose their homes and they're lucky to be staying with relatives. Yes, I get calls from folks that have lost it all.

So here are are "facts of life" with your DBA case that you just aren't going to hear anywhere else. I strongly suggest that you don't skip over any of this, because you think you've heard it before or that it doesn't apply to you. That would be a mistake.

1. You always have to tell the truth.

The DBA insurance company is hoping you will lie, fib, exaggerate, embellish, and/or distort about things. Anything. Because when you do they will try and destroy your credibility. When that happens successfully - you lose. I know that some folks get tired of hearing this.

One of the things I do is that I read a lot of Decisions and Orders from Defense Base Act trials. More than 9 out of 10 times, when the Claimant loses (it's called an "Order Denying Benefits"); it's because the Judge doesn't believe the person bringing the claim.

Think about this for a second. Would you take a case to trial if you didn't have the medical evidence needed to make your case? Of course you wouldn't. Neither do these folks that are losing their DBA cases at trial. Most of the time, Claimants (that is, the person like you that is bringing a claim for DBA benefits) have evidence that could win their case. Including medical evidence. The reason why most of these folks that lose their case is because the Judge doesn't believe them.

It's not an "accident" or "bad luck" that the Judge doesn't believe these people. It's because the DBA insurance companies are attacking their credibility.

2. "But I have a legitimate DBA claim, so I have nothing to worry about."

No. Not even close.

Just because you have a legitimate claim doesn’t mean the insurance company is going to provide you with weekly compensation benefits and medical treatment. They deny legitimate claims all the time. It’s usually not a matter of “if” they will deny your claim, but “when.” Which brings us to the next point.

3. Be prepared for your DBA benefits to be cut off

You need to be prepared right now for the day when your claim is going to be denied and your are going to be cut off. Waiting until after it happens will cost you a lot of money.

I know that this is tough. You, and your family, have probably gotten used to living at a certain level because of the money that you have been making as an overseas civilian contractor. But, now is the time to start ratcheting things back a tad. I strongly suggest that you not start spending your savings, if at all possible.

If you're DBA benefits aren't stopped, great. But at some point, the DBA insurance company is going to find a reason to deny your case. They are going to file a LS-207 Notice of Controversion.

Sometimes, the insurance company will stop your benefits in order to pressure folks to have to settle their case. Even if you have a legitimate case and you should be receiving benefits.

4. You shouldn't go this alone

You aren’t going to beat the insurance company’s shark attorneys by yourself. They will, in all likelihood, eat you up and spit you out.

You don’t have to hire my firm. But you MUST find and hire the best honest DBA lawyer that will agree to take your case.

If you think that by hiring a lawyer that you are going to piss-off the DBA insurance company and they will stop you're benefits, I understand you're concern. I've been doing this a long time. I haven't seen that happen. You need a lawyer that is going to simultaneously fight to win your case, but also be respectful and show courtesy to the insurance company and their lawyers.

5. Putting together a strategy - strength vs. weakness

First and foremost is you not falling for the tricks and traps that the DBA insurance carrier will lay for you.

Second, is marshaling the evidence you're going to need in order to prevail at trial. I know that you probably want to settle your case. I don't blame you. The way you're going to get your case settled is to get ready for trial.

If the insurance company doesn't think you're going to be able to beat them, then they won't offer much money to settle your DBA case. That is, offer you a lump-sum settlement. The stronger your evidence - the more chance that you will be able to settle your case. Conversely, the weaker your evidence, the more likely that you will end up facing a low settlement offer.

Third, you win trials with evidence. In most DBA cases, the parties stipulate to some issues and contest other issues. Your lawyers job is to figure out which issues are being contested and putting together a strategy to get proof on how to win on the contested issues. Just before trial the DBA insurance company is going to have to "lay-out" their case. You will usually have a good idea then what the DBA insurance company is relying on to beat you at trial. Problem is, that is sometimes too late. You need to know enough in adviance to be able to "fix it." That is get evidence to counter their evidence.

Fourth, I suggest that you don't hire a lawyer and think that, it's their job to put together your case. Your lawyer is going to need your help. Help in identifying what documents may be out there, so to speak.

Help in getting the documents together.

Help in identifying potential witnesses.

Help in getting the contact information for the witnesses.

For example, when the other side is attacking you and your credibility, it is very helpful if you can help identify and locate witnesses that are going to dispute their contentions.

You need to prove you were injured overseas. What co-workers or others that were overseas can testify or provide a witness statement proving you were injured overseas?

Are there "before and after" witnesses that will say you were fine before the incident and what they observed after the incident?

Disability is contested in almost every case. Don't think that you're doctor is going to carry the day on proving your disability. Too many folks make this mistake of, "I'm going to rely on my doctor to prove my disability."

Instead, you should think and believe that that DBA insurance company is going to hire a doctor that has better qualifications than your doctor and is more polished than your doctor. Their hired doctor is most likely going to waltz into court and put daggers into the heart of your case.

Lay witnesses can really carry the day. I cover this in my book.

The battle over loss of wage earning capacity. With non-scheduled injuries - disability under the DBA is a wage loss concept.

Assuming, you are able to jump over every other hurdle (your credibility, that you were actually injured overseas, your average weekly wage, you're unable to return to your usual and customary employment due to your overseas injury, etc.); then you will have a battle over the DBA insurance company's Labor Market Survey.

That is, what you're able to earn now considering your education, training, location (this can be a battle in and of itself), etc.?

6. Get a FREE copy of my book, Win Your Defense Base Act Case

It will walk you step by step through what you need to know and do to win your DBA case. Although my wife would like you to go to amazon.com and buy my book from them, you don't need to do that. My office will send you a copy of my book for free.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and working in a war zone - PTSD and Overseas Civilian Contractors/ Private Contractors

If you've worked overseas as a civilian contractor you may have been exposed to some stressful events or even downright horrible events. That is the reality of working in a war zone. Truth be told, there are thousands of folks just like you that have suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to being in-theater.

You are entitled to medical treatment and weekly compensation benefits it you have PTSD due to working overseas as a overseas civilian contractor. With proper medical treatment you can get to a better place. And, you can even get a lump-sum settlement for your PTSD case.

I suggest that you check out this article on PTSD and Defense Base Act claims. In addition, I cover PTSD in depth in my book - Win Your Defense Base Act Case.

You have to be honest about everything - because they are going to attack you

What most folks don't realize about winning a Defense Base Act court case - - and that is what a DBA case is, a court case - - is it's usually the little stuff that adds up to you losing your case. The DBA insurance adjuster and their shark lawyers are trying to poke holes in your case. They do it by destroying your credibility on one seemingly small issue after another. And, worse yet, sometimes it's on big issues.

You need to understand that they are going to look for and create reasons to attack your character. They do it to everyone. Although it's very personal to you, it isn't to them. They attack everyone's character because they don't want to pay you the money benefits that you deserve under the law.

This is why you need to be painfully honest about every part of your case. It really is the small details that will lose your case. This is why you need to be doing everything you can to protect your credibility. Because the DBA insurance companies are really good at tricks and traps that are designed to destroy your credibility. This is one of the main things that I talk about in my 5 Star reviewed book - Win Your Defense Base Act Case. In the book I go into much more detail than I do here. But, this is a good place to start for you to be ready to beat the DBA insurance companies at their own game. That is, attacking you.

What am I talking about?

The most important thing that determines whether you win or lose your DBA case is your credibility. When you bring a DBA court case, nothing is more important than whether the Judge believes you or not.

Nothing else is even close. You have to be ready to win your case with the truth. You have to be truthful about everything.

The DBA insurance company lawyers and adjusters are trained to take advantage of you. Good, well-meaning, honest folks with legitimate claims fall for their tricks and traps every day. Know this: at every step the DBA insurance company is looking for reasons and excuses to deny your claim. Don't think for a minute that just because you have a legitimate injury and a legitimate case that they are going to treat you any different.

How do I know? I have been representing folks like you for a long, long time. I've had one of the top three largest DBA law firms in the world that represents injured civilian contractors.

Because folks keep right on falling for the insurance company adjusters and DBA lawyers tricks and traps I wrote the book Win Your Defense Base Act Case: The Ultimate Straight Talk Roadmap to The Medical Treatment and Money You and Your Family Deserve.

You can request your free copy here.

Defense Base Act experts - Win Your Defense Base Act Case

Win Your Defense Base Act Case will help keep you from falling for the tricks and traps that the insurance company is going to try to use to derail your case. I guarantee it.

I suggest that you read my book BEFORE you fill out any forms, sign any insurance company releases, talk to the adjuster (and make sure you read this article before you get on the telephone with the DBA insurance company), give a written or recorded statement or even hire a Defense Base Act attorney. My office will UPS you a free copy overnight.

If you think that you have to take any of these important steps before reading my book I recommend that you resist the urge and read my book first. I guarantee that my book will help keep you from ruining your case.

Best Defense Base Act Lawyer

Be sure to check out all of the 5 Star Reviews my book has received from overseas contractors on Amazon.com. Folks like you who wanted to research their case.

This Advice Is So Important That It Is Worth Emphasizing:

Under no circumstances should you fill out any forms, sign any releases, give any statements, talk to the insurance adjuster or even hire a Defense Base Act lawyer until you read my book. You will be so glad that you waited until you got my book. I talk to folks just like you every day that tell me that they just wished that they had read my book first.

This is a real book that you can buy on Amazon.com. Or, you can get a free copy by filling out the form right here on this website. My book is the best thing that is going to help you win your case. I guarantee that nothing else even comes close.

I tell you this because every week I talk to folks that tell me that they wish they had gotten my book BEFORE they either made the mistakes that I tell them about in the book or they hired the wrong lawyer. (I am not suggesting that my law firm is the only law firm you should hire. But in the book I teach you how to choose the right lawyer for you and your case).

I wrote the book for three reasons

First, because it sucks seeing good folks tank their case even before they hire a lawyer.

Second, I compiled all this information to help my clients win their cases.

Third, I wrote this book because I feel duty-bound. Good folks have been seriously injured or killed defending my family’s freedom.

I strongly suggest that you order a free copy of my book. In the meantime, I suggest that you use this website to research your rights BEFORE talking to the adjuster, filling out any forms, or signing away your legal rights.

This website includes information on dealing with DBA adjusters, company doctors, returning to work, recorded statements, hiring the best Defense Base Act lawyer, third party cases, employer traps, getting the DBA benefits which you are entitled under Defense Base Act Injury Law and much more.

You don't have to believe me - check out all the 5 STAR reviews on amazon.com from folks just like you

I tell folks that they shouldn't believe what people say about themselves, unless they know them, of course. Well, I am not going to ask you to believe that our book Win Your Defense Base Act Case is a great book. Instead, you should check out all the 5 STAR reviews of the book on amazon.com. There are dozens of 5 STAR reviews from folks just like you. Here is an example of one of the 5 STAR reviews on amazon.com:

If you work or plan on working as a contractor overseas, then make it your mission to obtain a copy of Mr. Turley’s (author) book, called “Win Your Defense Base Act Case,” and keep it on you at all times – because you will need it!
Just like its title and description point out and promise, this book truly is a “roadmap” to you winning your DBA case and receiving well-deserved medical treatment as well as money for lost wages.
By speaking directly to you in an understandable manner, Mr. Turley becomes your personal guide through his book. He (Mr. Turley) prepares you step by step on how to deal with the insurance company and how to proceed with your DBA case in order to win.

Here is another 5 STAR review on amazon.com:

Folks, if you have a Defense Base Act case, you need to get a copy of this book ASAP! It doesn't matter if you are just starting your case, or are in the middle of it, get this book now. There are many topics covered in detail that I did not know about, that my (previous) attorney did not seem to know about, and that are very difficult to understand via Google searches. Read this book from cover to cover and you will be empowered with a great amount of knowledge. During your case, this could be one of the most important purchases you make.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Very informative and highly recommended
September 27, 2018
If you have been injured overseas and need info on DBA claims, this book is a must read. Everything you need to know about the process and what you need to win your case is right here.. Worth the read!

What Does "Defense Base Act Attorney Straight Talk" Really Mean?
Simple, Easy to Understand English, with no Lawyer Talk and no Double Talk.

As you know, as an overseas civilian contractor you are exposed to unique dangers and hazards. Many of you risk your lives on a daily basis. The law is supposed to provide injured civilian contractors workers' compensation benefits. What most folks don't realize is the battle you are in after you suffer a serious injury.

I strongly recommend that you do as much research as possible before you talk to the insurance adjuster or even hire a lawyer. Knowledge is power. This website provides you with the power you are going to need to win your case.

Be sure to check out all of our great free articles before you take any important steps with your case.

What are the benefits under the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act provides disability, medical, and death benefits to covered employees injured or killed in the course of employment, whether or not the injury or death occurred during work hours.

Disability benefits

You are entitled to temporary total disability benefits while you are still treating and recovering and if you can't perform you're usual overseas job. You also may be able to recover permanent disability benefits under the DBA.

Compensation for total disability is two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, up to a current maximum compensation rate. Compensation also is payable for partial loss of earnings.

The DBA has two different types of permanent injuries: scheduled injuries (hand, arm, foot, leg, hearing loss), and unscheduled injuries (everything that isn’t scheduled - neck, back, head, PTSD, internal injuries, etc.). Unscheduled injuries under the DBA are a wage-loss concept.

Medical benefits

You are also entitled to medical benefits. You are entitled to medical treatment for the rest of your life.

Your “free choice” of physician under the Defense Base Act

You are entitled to medical treatment by a physician of your choice, as the injury may require. This is called your "free choice of physician" under the DBA.

Here Are Some of the Topics My Articles Cover:

If you only read one thing, this should be it: 10 Essential Defense Base Act Tips.

How to Research Your Case Right Now

By visiting our Defense Base Act Library

By visiting our Defense Base Act Resources

"I'll tell you what the public likes more than anything, It's the most rare commodity in the world - honesty." Merle Haggard (the pride of Bakersfield)

Defense Base Act Attorney Bill Turley

What Sets Our Defense Base Act Practice Apart?

Awarded Super Lawyer 2011 - 2019
Highest Avvo.com Rating
New York Times Top Attorney
Chosen Top 10 Lawyer
Elected President of Consumer Attorneys
Invited Speaker—Seminar – Defense Base Act—Regularly asked to teach lawyers how to practice law
Chosen Trial Master by Consumer Attorneys
Awarded Best Lawyers
Regularly asked to testify before the California State Senate and California Assembly
Tapped by United States Commerce Committee to help write worker legislation
Wrote the 5 Star Book Win Your Defense Base Act Case
Has had one of the top two largest DBA law firms that represents seriously injured overseas civilian contractors

A Tad About Me and My Firm

My firm has been one the top two largest Defense Base Act law firms in the world that represents seriously injured overseas civilian contractors. I wrote the highly acclaimed book - Win Your Defense Base Act Case.

Believe it or not, I am known for being a straight-up and honest lawyer. I preach like a mantra the need to tell the truth and win your DBA case with the truth.

My firm is based in San Diego, California. The DBA is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The DBA actually falls under what is called Maritime Law. You will see that almost all of the best Defense Base Act lawyers were first Longshore lawyers.

San Diego has the largest shipyard on the west coast. All of the shipyard workers, longshoreman and harbor workers fall under the Longshore Act.

I started representing shipyard workers and longshoreman in the 1980's. So when civilian contractors started coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq with serious injuries, it was a natural that they were referred to my office.

You probably realize we have a large Special Forces and ex-military contingent here in San Diego. They were heavily recruited by the civilian contractor companies since the very beginning of the Iraq war and Afghanistan war. And many linguists are from San Diego and Southern California. So when civilian contractors started coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq with serious injuries, it was a natural that they were referred to my office.

Today my law firm is the biggest DBA law firm on the west coast and one of the top three largest claimant DBA law firms in the world.

Winning with the TRUTH

You will hear me repeat it again and again: Always tell the truth. When you have a court case and you are asking for money - nothing is more important than your credibility. If you tell the truth, your chances of winning go up hugely. It's all about winning.

No one likes to get lied to - - neither do you. Neither does the Judge in your case. You MUST win your case with the truth. The truth is such powerful stuff. You must trust the truth will win your case. If the Judge believes you then you have a much greater chance of winning your case. You can't exaggerate or fib about anything. If you do - you are setting yourself up to lose.

It's All About Your Health

First and foremost, nothing is more important than your health. You need the best medical care possible. Getting the best medical care possible has to be your number one concern.

Make Sure Your Doctor Knows What It's Really Like To Work In-Theater

Most stateside doctors have no idea about what it means to go outside the wire. Most doctors don’t know what wearing full kit is or what it takes to work in a war zone. They have no idea about having to put on body armor and run for a shelter in the middle of the night.

They have no idea about what it like running to a bunker like your life depends on it, when there are incoming rockets and mortars, because, your life does depend on it. What it's like to have suicide bombers that are women and children. What it's like to worry about the army that is supposed to be on your side, shooting you in the back, every time you turn around. What it's like not knowing if tonight there are going to be rockets and/or mortars raining down on your bunk. What it's like to have to travel on roads where there could be an IED at every turn.

Before your doctor concludes you are able to return to your overseas employment, they need to know the realities of what it takes to work in Iraq or Afghanistan. They need to know the reality of being in-theater.

Your next step?

Order your free copy of the 5 Star Rated book - Win Your Defense Base Act Case. It is the best investment you are going to make with your DBA case. We recommend you read the book before you make one of the common mistakes that will tank your case. We recommend you read the book before you sign any forms, give any statements, talk to the adjuster or even hire a lawyer for your DBA case. And if you have done any (or all of these things); you will still hugely benefit from getting and reading the book.

Need help right now?

Either fill out the contact form on this website or call us at: 619-304-1000.

We represent overseas civilian contractors from all over the world

As one of the two largest Defense Base Act law firms that represents seriously injured overseas civilian contractors, we represent people that are injured all over the world and people that are from all over the world.

You can be a foreign national or foreign citizen and receive DBA benefits.

Call us at 619-304-1000 - If you call after regular business hours, when you leave a message, be sure to repeat your name and telephone number twice, so we get it correctly. And be sure to indicate whether it's okay if we respond by text.

Text us at 858-281-8008 - Be sure and put "new DBA case" in your text.

Or leave us a message on this webpage

This article isn't legal advice

These discussions and/or examples are not legal advice. All legal situations are different. These testimonials, endorsements, photos and/or discussions do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, your particular case/ situation. Every case is different. There are any number of reasons why Defense Base Act cases are not won and/or are not as successful as one might hope.

Just because we have gotten great results in so many other Defense Base Act cases, doesn't guarantee in particular result in other cases. Including, your case. Every case is different. In other words, your mileage may vary.

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Defense Base Act Attorney Bill Turley Gives You an Insider's view: the Brutal, Frank Truth About the Defense Base Act - aka Defense Base Act Lawyer Straight Talk

An insider's view of the Defense Base Act

Private contractors / Overseas civilian contractors and the Defense Base Act