Death on the High Seas Act

Death on the High Seas Act Claims in New Orleans

Catastrophic Death at Sea Suffered by Seaman and Maritime Workers

If a loved one has died while working at sea near Louisiana, our New Orleans maritime injury attorney at The Chopin Law Firm LLC can provide the answers you need to figure out whether or not a Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) claim is right for your family. With more than five decades of legal experience, we can guide you through the complexities of the maritime legal system in order to recover the most favorable settlement possible. Our legal team understands the difficult time you are going through, which is why we can help you take the financial burden off your shoulders.

Am I Eligible for a DOHSA Claim?

The DOHSA allows a person to recover money due to a death caused by negligence, default, or a wrongful act. Such an action must happen on the high seas at least three miles away from shore.

The DOHSA applies to all decedents of both maritime and non-maritime workers, depending upon where the vessel is at the time the death occurred. The remedies are limited to funeral expenses, medical expenses, loss of support, loss of inheritance, loss of service provide by the deceased, and loss of nurture to children.

Whether filed in state or federal court, the statute of limitations for maritime death claims under the DOHSA is three years from the date of the death. However, it is necessary to file for such a claim immediately.

If the deceased was partly at fault for the accident which resulted in the death, DOHSA rules do not rule out any financial remedy to the family. Yet, contributory negligence will be a factor that is considered in DOHSA cases.

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Our compassionate team of legal experts will provide you with high-quality, tireless legal representation during this trying time. We understand what it takes to protect your rights and best interests against powerful corporations and government entities.