Maritime Wrongful Death Lawyers:
The Death on the High Seas Act
When a loved one dies at sea, a complex web of laws governs the ability of family members and survivors to recover financial compensation for their losses. It is important to select an attorney who knows how to handle these complicated maritime wrongful death claims.
The attorneys of Beard Stacey and Jacobsen, LLP, in Seattle, Washington, are known and respected for successfully handling extremely challenging cases involving wrongful deaths of seamen and fishermen. We have handled more than 50 maritime wrongful death cases and achieved million-dollar verdicts and settlements for many of our clients.
What Is The Death on the High Seas Act?
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) provides a legal remedy for family members of those who died because of maritime negligence or the unseaworthiness of the vessel if the accident occurred more than three nautical miles off U.S. shores.
Under the Death on the High Seas Act, certain survivors (spouse, parent, child or dependent relative) can recover compensation for the following damages:
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of care and guidance
- Loss of household services
- Pre-death medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pre-death pain and suffering, in some cases
Often, the Jones Act can be used in addition to the Death on the High Seas Act to pursue additional compensation for damages.
When a maritime wrongful death occurs within three nautical miles of the U.S. shore, general maritime law and possibly state wrongful death statutes govern the recovery compensation for survivors.
The maritime lawyers at Beard Stacey and Jacobsen, LLP understand that losing a loved one at sea is a traumatic event. We are here to protect your rights and help you recover financially from your family member's loss. Please contact us to arrange a free consultation about your case.
