The Death on the High Seas Act
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What is the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)?
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) is a federal law passed way back in 1920. It creates a way for families to seek justice when someone dies because of a wrongful act, neglect, or default that happens on the “high seas.” It was made so there would be one main rule for deaths happening far offshore, outside of state waters.
The key thing about DOHSA is where it applies: it covers deaths caused by incidents more than 3 nautical miles away from the coast of the U.S. or its territories.
When Does DOHSA Apply? (How Far Offshore?)
TDOHSA generally applies if:
Location: The wrongful act that caused the death happened beyond 3 nautical miles from the U.S. shore. (Important Note: For plane crashes over the ocean, it’s beyond 12 nautical miles).
Type of Accident: It can cover deaths from many kinds of maritime accidents out there, like:
Who Can File a DOHSA Lawsuit for the Family?
Individual family members usually don’t file the DOHSA lawsuit directly. Instead, the case must be brought by the Personal Representative of the person who passed away (this person is often named in a will or appointed by a court).
The Personal Representative files the lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members who depended financially on the person who died. These “beneficiaries” usually include:
Any money recovered is then divided among these family members based on the financial support they lost.
What Needs to Be Proven? (Showing Fault)
To win a DOHSA case, the Personal Representative has to prove the death was caused by someone else’s wrongful act, neglect, or default out on the high seas. Basically, you need to show that someone was careless (negligent) or that something was dangerously wrong (like an unsafe vessel condition), and that this caused the fatal accident. Examples include:
Any money recovered is then divided among these family members based on the financial support Lambert Zainey investigates deeply to find out what went wrong and prove who was responsible.
Money Recoverable Under DOHSA: Mainly Financial Losses
This is a very important and often difficult part of DOHSA. Unlike some state laws or Jones Act death claims for seamen, DOHSA usually limits the money families can recover mostly to “pecuniary losses.”
What are “Pecuniary Losses”?
These are the financial losses the family suffered because their loved one died. This can include money for:
What Can Families Usually Not Recover Money For Under DOHSA?
DOHSA generally does not allow families to recover money for non-financial losses, such as:
Important Note for Jones Act Seamen: If the person who died was a seaman covered by the Jones Act, their family might be able to get some of these non-financial damages (like pre-death pain and suffering) through a Jones Act claim, even if the death happened far offshore. How these laws work together is complicated, and you need experienced lawyers to figure it out.
Unseaworthiness vs. Jones Act Negligence: What’s the Difference?
Injured seamen often file claims under both the Jones Act and Unseaworthiness because they cover different things:
Question 3927_43098d-78> |
DOHSA Claim 3927_f49809-93> |
Jones Act Death Claim (Seaman) 3927_f33ca5-42> |
Who Died? 3927_56434c-9a> |
Anyone (passenger, worker, etc.) 3927_64a36b-b6> |
Only “Seamen” (crew members) 3927_280b06-b1> |
Where? 3927_bef7a6-4f> |
Beyond 3 NM offshore 3927_740377-ce> |
Anywhere (close to shore or far out) 3927_42cf9b-17> |
Why? 3927_99b3b4-91> |
Any wrongful act, neglect, default 3927_d40dc3-31> |
Employer’s Negligence 3927_890de6-52> |
What Money? 3927_1373d9-da> |
Mostly Financial Losses Only 3927_48ae13-62> |
Financial Losses + Maybe Emotional Losses (like pre-death pain/suffering) 3927_22716f-51> |
Who Sues? 3927_f01d82-78> |
Personal Rep for family 3927_6540fd-b1> |
Personal Rep for family 3927_980cce-5f> |
If a Jones Act seaman dies far offshore because their employer was careless, the family might have claims under both DOHSA and the Jones Act. Lambert Zainey knows how to handle these overlapping cases
Is There a Deadline for DOHSA Claims? (Statute of Limitations)
Yes. Generally, a DOHSA lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date the person died. If you miss this deadline, your family will likely lose the right to file a claim forever. It’s critical to talk to a lawyer well before this time runs out.
Why Choose Lambert Zainey for Your DOHSA Case?
DOHSA cases are tough legally and emotionally. You need lawyers who understand:
Common Questions About DOHSA Claims
Talk to Our Compassionate New Orleans Maritime Attorneys Today
If your family is coping with the loss of a loved one from an accident on the high seas, dealing with the legal system is the last thing you need. Let the skilled and understanding attorneys at Lambert Zainey help you navigate the Death on the High Seas Act. We are here to help you understand your rights and seek the justice your family deserves.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
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