Are you the surviving family member of a seamen who died in a vessel or aviation accident that occurred on the high seas? If so, you may be able to collect compensation for your family’s losses under the Death on the High Seas Act, or DOHSA.
DOSHA was passed by Congress in 1920 and governs the rights a seaman’s relatives have after a wrongful death at sea. DOSHA allows the surviving family members of seaman who died as the result of a negligent act that occurred while serving on a U.S. vessel sailing at least a marine league (3 nautical miles) off the coast of the United States or its territories the opportunity to seek compensation for their losses.
While DOSHA also applies to individuals killed in aircraft accidents on the high seas, it does not protect workers killed on drilling rigs and platforms (they are covered by other maritime laws).
Speak with a Houston DOSHA lawyer
If a family member has died while on the job onboard a vessel at least 3 miles off the U.S. coast, you may be able to file a claim for benefits under DOSHA. There are many rules as to who can and who can’t file for benefits as well as what damages you can claim. The law offices of Ricardo N. Gonzales & Associates are here to ensure your rights are protected and see that you get the full benefits compensation you are entitled to.
Call us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Houston DOSHA attorney. We are here to listen to your story and provide helpful, professional advice on what types of benefits you may be entitled to.
DOSHA Accidents
Our Houston maritime accident attorneys represent a seaman’s surviving parents, spouse or children in DOSHA claims that arise from deaths caused by:
- Drowning
- An onboard fire or explosion
- A Capsized vessel
- A sinking vessel
- Chemical exposure
- Airplane or helicopter accidents
- Collisions
- Slips and falls
- Defective equipment
- Safety violations
Do You Qualify for DOSHA Benefits?
Only the seaman’s financially dependent relatives, such as a spouse, parent, child, or dependent relative, can recover compensation under the Death on the High Seas Act.
DOSHA benefits are limited to only economic damages and do not provide compensation for loss of support, companionship, mental anguish or bereavement. DOSHA damages can include:
- Loss of economic benefits
- Household expenses
- Loss of existing or expected financial support and contribution
- Care of a child
- Funeral expenses
Get the DOSHA Compensation You Deserve
In order to obtain compensation, you must be able to prove that a negligent act or acts on the part of the ship’s owner, captain or crew resulted in the wrongful death of your loved one. The Houston maritime accident attorneys at Ricardo N. Gonzales & Associates are here to stand beside you in your time of need. We have the skills and resources to fully investigate your claim and expose the negligence of those responsible for your loved one’s death.
