Death on the High Seas Act

The death of a loved one is a wrenching ordeal for the entire family and can cause financial hardship, pain and suffering. The Death on the High Seas Act is a federal law that allows the spouse and dependents of a deceased seaman to collect damages if their loved one died because of negligence or unseaworthiness of a vessel while more than three nautical miles from shore. A civil lawsuit for the alleged wrongful death may be brought against the vessel, person or responsible corporation.

If a loved one has suffered a fatal injury at sea, you need an attorney experienced in maritime law to defend your legal rights. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been advocating successfully on behalf of maritime injury victims for more than 20 years. Our goal is to help you obtain the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Please fill out our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for help with your case. We handle maritime law claims from port cities along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, including  New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington DE, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville FL, Fort Lauderdale FL and Miami.

Commonly referred to as DOHSA, the Death on the High Seas Act is among a group of specialized federal statutes known collectively as maritime law that address accidents, injuries and deaths at sea.

The Death on the High Seas Act allows the family of a deceased seaman to file a lawsuit in United States District Court. The family may recover damages for economic losses and emotional suffering that a death can cause. The deceased seaman’s spouse, child, parent, or dependent relative may file a claim. Damages are calculated based on the value of the financial benefit that the relative would have received from the deceased seaman. Dependent children may recover for the care and guidance they would have received if their parent had lived.

The high seas are defined as any location more than three nautical miles off the shore of any state, territory, dependency or the District of Columbia.

Common reasons for filing wrongful death lawsuits under the Death on the High Seas Act include:

• The sinking or capsizing of a vessel due to ship defect, operator error, weather or other reasons;
• An explosion or fire at sea resulting from storage of petroleum onboard the vessel or inadequate maintenance;
• The improper handling or storage of cargo;
• Accidents involving faulty equipment such as tow lines, winches and cranes;
• Failure to give prompt medical attention because of a lack of emergency equipment or qualified medical personnel.
  
  

Under DOHSA, there are strict time limits after a death in which lawsuits may be filed, so don’t delay in contacting the Death on the High Seas Act attorneys at Parker Waichman Alonso LLP to discuss your case.

Maritime law is a complex area of law, and you need an experienced attorney to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Parker Waichman Alonso LLP have successfully helped maritime injury victims for more than two decades. We know what benefits are available and how to obtain them for you and your family. Please fill out our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for help with your case.