Wrongful Death

Wrongful death occurs in the maritime industry more often than almost any other profession. The work conditions are often dangerous, involving long hours, hazardous equipment and a hostile environment. An awareness of the risks, however, does nothing to minimize the tragedy when a loved one suffers a fatal injury on the water. If you have lost a loved one in a maritime accident, and you have questions about your legal rights, an experienced maritime wrongful death attorney can help.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been successfully helping maritime injury victims for more than 20 years. We know that if you have lost a loved one, legal action may not be your first priority. However, if your loved one was working at sea, on an oil rig, offshore drill, shipyard, or other waterway, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law, the Death on the High Seas Act, or other legal statutes.

If you believe you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, please submit 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.

The Death on the High Seas Act covers accidental deaths that take place more than 3 nautical miles from the United States coast. Incidents that occur within state territorial waters are usually covered by general maritime law, the Jones Act, and in certain circumstances, state wrongful death law. Depending upon the law applicable to your case, you may be entitled to compensation for damages that include:

• Loss of financial support
• Loss of consortium – the loss of the relationship with your loved one
• Pre-death medical expenses
• Burial and funeral costs
  
  

These damages cannot bring back a loved one, but they can help pay bills and mortgage payments – and in some cases, they may hold parties accountable for any blame borne in your loved one's demise. There are many circumstances that can lead to a maritime wrongful death claim, including:

• Boat sinking
• Fires and explosions
• Inadequately trained crew
• Defective machinery or equipment
• Unseaworthy vessels
  
  

Regardless of what caused your loved one's fatal injury, there are statutes of limitations on wrongful death claims, so it's important to contact a lawyer soon to protect your right to take legal action. Whether you choose to proceed with a claim or not, understanding your legal options enables you to make informed decisions about your future. No damages award can reverse your loss, but if you are entitled to compensation, it may provide your family a measure of stability during a difficult time.

At Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, our most important goal is to help you get your life back on track – and we have a 20-year track record of success to help make that happen. Please submit our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) for a consultation with our legal team.