The loss of a loved one leaves a profound mark on a family’s life. When a maritime worker passes away beyond three nautical miles from the U.S. coastline, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) provides a legal path for families to seek compensation and secure support for their future.
DOHSA allows a personal representative to file a civil action in admiralty on behalf of your loved one, helping families recover damages such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the care and companionship that is no longer available. This is designed to recognize the unique circumstances of life at sea and to ensure that your family has a measure of security moving forward.
At Falcon Offshore Injury, we understand the deep personal loss behind these claims. Our maritime attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way with understanding and support, helping your family navigate your options and find a path forward during this deeply emotional time.
When we talk about the “high seas” under DOHSA, we’re referring to the waters that lie more than three nautical miles from the U.S. coastline. This distinction is important because DOHSA specifically applies to deaths that occur in these areas. For families going through this difficult time, knowing the limits of DOHSA can bring clarity about your legal options.
When a loved one is lost on the high seas, DOHSA provides families with a way to recover from the financial impacts of that loss. While nothing can replace the person you’ve lost, pursuing a claim under DOHSA can help ease the burden by covering the economic losses that affect your family’s life and security. Understanding what types of damages can be recovered is an important step in ensuring your family receives the support it may be entitled to.
Under DOHSA, families can pursue compensation for a range of financial losses, including:
When a loved one is lost at sea, it can be difficult to know who has the right to pursue a claim under DOHSA. This is designed to provide a clear path for those most affected by the loss, ensuring that immediate family members and those financially dependent on the deceased can seek support.
Generally, the following individuals are eligible to file a DOHSA wrongful death claim:
At Falcon Offshore Injury, our maritime wrongful death attorneys work closely with families to determine eligibility and guide you through the claims process with care and understanding.
DOHSA isn’t limited to traditional maritime accidents. It can also apply to certain aviation accidents that occur over the high seas. If a plane goes down beyond three nautical miles from the U.S. coastline and results in the loss of life, the families of those on board may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under DOHSA.
Claims for aviation accidents over water can be particularly complex, given the unique circumstances of where it happened and the parties involved. Our DOHSA lawyers can help your family determine whether DOHSA applies, identify eligible damages, and guide you through the filing process.
While both DOHSA and general maritime law provide avenues for families to seek compensation after a loved one’s death at sea, there are important differences that can affect how a claim is handled and what damages may be available.
DOHSA specifically applies to deaths that occur beyond three nautical miles from the U.S. coastline. Whereas general maritime law wrongful death claims can apply to incidents within U.S. territorial waters.
Key differences between DOHSA and general maritime law wrongful death claims include:
At Falcon Offshore Injury, our DOHSA attorneys help families understand these differences and guide you toward the right claim for your situation.
When a loved one is lost on the high seas, the road ahead can feel uncertain. DOHSA claims exist to help families gain financial support for funeral costs, lost income, and the care and guidance your loved one would have provided. Pursuing a claim is a way to secure resources that can help your family maintain stability and plan for the future, even in the midst of loss.
At Falcon Offshore Injury, our maritime attorneys focus on guiding families with clarity and steady support. We work closely with you to understand your situation, explain your options, and handle the legal steps so you can focus on your family. Reach out to our team today to speak with a Death on the High Seas Act lawyer who can help you navigate your DOHSA claim and support your family after such an unimaginable loss.
