Death on the High Seas Act Lawyer
The Death on the High Seas Act, or DOHSA, provides vital legal protection for families who lose a loved one in a maritime accident on the high seas. With maritime fatalities occurring at a rate nearly five times the national average for all occupations, survivors need experienced legal counsel to pursue justice. The nationally recognized attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm offer compassionate support, in-depth maritime knowledge, and a proven track record to help grieving families recover the compensation they deserve.
Legally Reviewed By: Lawrence P. Wilson
Senior Attorney
- Page Last Updated:
- June 3, 2025
Why Choose Our Death on the High Seas Act Lawyers?
What Compensation Can You Recover for Wrongful Death Under DOHSA?
What Are the Requirements for Death on the High Seas Act Claims?
How Long Do You Have To File a DOHSA Lawsuit?
Who Can Be Held Liable Under DOHSA?
What Our Talented Death on High Seas Act Attorneys Can Do for You
The open sea is one of the most dangerous places for passengers and workers. When tragedy strikes and a loved one dies in a maritime accident far from shore, the Death on the High Seas Act, or DOHSA, provides critical legal protection and a path to justice for surviving family members. This federal law allows eligible individuals to seek compensation when a death occurs more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores due to negligence or wrongful acts.
Our maritime and offshore accident lawyers know that the risks are substantial, with approximately 400,000 individuals working in the U.S. maritime industry. The water transportation industry’s fatality rate is about 4.7 times higher than the national average for all occupations. These alarming statistics highlight the urgency and importance of legal recourse when safety protocols fail.
Pursuing a DOHSA claim can be legally complex, requiring the guidance of a legal team with deep experience in maritime law. The nationally recognized attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm bring decades of trial-tested experience, compassionate advocacy, and a commitment to Legal Care to every case they handle. If you’ve lost a loved one at sea, contact The Lanier Law Firm today to discuss your rights and start your journey toward healing.
Why Choose Our Death on the High Seas Act Lawyers?
When the unimaginable happens on open waters, your family needs more than legal help. You need trusted, proven advocates. The Lanier Law Firm’s case results have earned a national reputation for delivering victories in some of the most complex and high-stakes cases. Our award-winning firm is known for fearlessly fighting powerful corporations and maritime employers.
With vast trial experience and an unwavering commitment to justice, The Lanier Law Firm is never afraid to take a case to court. Every client receives Legal Care—a combination of serious, sound legal strategy and the compassionate support you deserve during this difficult time. From investigating the details of a maritime death to building a strong case for maximum compensation, our talented maritime litigation team is with you through every step.
To show our commitment to securing the compensation and peace of mind you deserve, there is no upfront cost to working with The Lanier Law Firm. You pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation.
Lawrence P. Wilson rejoined The Lanier Law Firm in 2003, bringing extensive experience in maritime negligence, offshore accidents, and oil rig accidents, with a strong record of favorable jury verdicts.
Since joining The Lanier Law Firm in 2002, Judson “Jud” Waltman, Managing Attorney in Houston, has focused on representing individuals who have suffered injury or death. He has extensive experience in personal injury and maritime litigation, specializing in maritime incidents, oil field accidents, and workplace injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover for Wrongful Death Under DOHSA?
While no amount of compensation can atone for a loved one’s loss, the Death on the High Seas Act provides a vital path for families to recover financial damages from those responsible. This federal law allows surviving spouses, children, and other dependents to seek economic damages tied to the loss.
Recoverable economic damages under DOHSA include the following:
- Loss of financial support that the deceased would have provided
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of household services
- Loss of inheritance that the deceased would have contributed
- Medical expenses incurred before death
While DOHSA does not permit recovery for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional anguish, the economic impact of a wrongful maritime death can be severe and long-lasting. This fact underscores the importance of pursuing full compensation with the help of experienced legal counsel.
DOHSA claims operate under a comparative negligence system, meaning that if your loved one is found partially responsible for the fatal accident, you can still recover compensation. However, the compensation will be reduced in proportion to their share of the fault. This rule can significantly impact the amount families receive, but a knowledgeable attorney can help ensure that liability is fairly assessed.
“Mark Lanier and his team of attorneys were my angels sent from Heaven. They listened to me, they answered all my questions, and explained everything thoroughly and completely. I had full faith in this team because they were honest and hard working for my cause.”
Mitzi G.
“I am so glad to have The Lanier Law Firm in my corner. They handle things quickly, communicate at every turn, and are genuinely passionate about making things right. We felt very alone, but thanks to this firm, we do not feel that way anymore. Wish I could give 10 stars.”
Will R.
What Are the Requirements for Death on the High Seas Act Claims?
Congress enacted DOSHA in 1920 to provide a legal remedy for families who have lost loved ones in fatal maritime incidents occurring far from shore. Its primary purpose is to ensure that surviving family members can pursue compensation when a death results from negligence or a wrongful act in international waters.
To qualify for a DOHSA claim, the following legal criteria must be met:
- The death must have resulted from a wrongful act, neglect, or default.
- The fatal incident must have occurred on the high seas, defined as beyond three nautical miles, or one marine league, from a U.S. shore.
- The right to file a claim is reserved for “the exclusive benefit of the decendent’s spouse, parent, child, or dependent relative.”
DOHSA covers numerous maritime accidents, including:
- Commercial vessel disasters
- Cruise ship fatalities
- Cargo ship incidents
- Airplane crashes over international waters
- Commercial diving accidents
- Offshore accidents, including those involving accidents on oil rigs and drilling platforms
How Long Do You Have To File a DOHSA Lawsuit?
Under the Death on the High Seas Act, families have up to three years from the date of the fatal incident to file a lawsuit. This statute of limitations is strictly enforced, and missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, no matter the strength of your case.
Because these claims involved complex maritime law, international waters, and often large corporate defendants, time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the better your chances are to preserve evidence, identify the responsible parties, and build a compelling case.
If you have lost a loved one in a maritime accident, it is important to seek out an experienced death on the high seas act lawyer promptly. Contact The Lanier Law Firm today to protect your rights and explore your legal options before time runs out.
Who Can Be Held Liable Under DOHSA?
Identifying the liable parties is critical to pursuing justice under the Death on the High Seas Act. DOHSA allows surviving family members to hold those responsible legally and financially accountable.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Vessel owners who failed to maintain a safe environment or operated the vessel under unsafe conditions
- Employers who neglected maritime safety protocols, training, or equipment maintenance
- Manufacturers or third-party contractors, if the death was caused by defective equipment or machinery
- Operators or crew members whose reckless or negligent actions caused the accident
In cases involving complex offshore operations, multiple parties may be responsible, including subcontractors and corporate entities with shared control. Identifying all responsible parties requires an in-depth investigation and a legal team with the experience and resources to challenge powerful maritime corporations.
What Our Talented Death on High Seas Act Attorneys Can Do for You
Losing a loved one to a preventable accident at sea is devastating. At The Lanier Law Firm, our award-winning Death on the High Seas Act attorneys are committed to helping grieving families hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. With decades of maritime law litigation experience, our dedicated legal team provides compassionate support and aggressive representation every step of the way.
Here’s how our nationally recognized firm can assist you:
- Provide a free consultation.
- Evaluate your case and explain the specific criteria under DOHSA.
- Gather all necessary evidence to support your case and ensure it’s trial-ready.
- Calculate the full extent of your damages.
- Navigate the legal process.
- Timely file suit.
- Negotiate with insurance companies or at-fault parties for the highest possible settlement.
Contact Our Knowledgeable DOHSA Lawyers in Houston, Texas
The path forward can feel overwhelming following a loved one’s death at sea. You shouldn’t have to face it alone. Contact The Lanier Law Firm today to get in touch with our team of compassionate and experienced Death on the High Seas Act lawyers so we can guide you with the legal strength, clarity, and care you need during this difficult time.
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