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Death on the High Seas Act Aggressive & Honest Representation

Death on the High Seas Act in Weston

Admiralty & Maritime Law Attorney in Weston, Weston

When a wrongful death occurs more than three miles – or the marine league – away from the shore and on the high seas, a claim can be filed using the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). While close family members and financial dependents of the decedent can benefit from such a claim, it cannot be filed by them. Instead, DOHSA claims need to be created by someone who has been named as a personal representative of the decedent, or a professional lawyer hired by the named administrator.

Has your loved one lost their life due to employer negligence or the general unseaworthiness of their vessel? Do you need assistance with a DOHSA claim? You can rely on Rash Mueller and our admiralty and maritime disasters attorney for all the legal guidance and advocacy you need.

Our Weston injury law firm stands out due to our accolades and accomplishments, including:

  • 40+ years of collective legal and trial experience
  • Hundreds of Millions won for past clients
  • AV® Preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 10.0 “Superb” rating by Avvo

Start your case with confidence. Call (954) 914-7116 today.

Damages in a DOHSA Claim

Due to the ambiguity of maritime law, it can be difficult to determine what damages you can recover after losing a loved one on the high seas. With our assistance, experience, and know-how, we can help you pursue every last cent that you deserve following such a tragedy by successfully interpreting the law and upholding your rights.

Parties that could recover compensation in a DOHSA claim are:

  • Children: Estimated total value of any care and parental guidance they should have received from the decedent throughout their lives.
  • Spouse: The actual, calculated value of the income and contribution the decedent would have given their spouse, with a subtraction for the amount of that income that would have gone solely to the decedent’s own benefit.
  • Dependents: Any other legal dependent, whether they are a child or an adult, may be able to recover the estimated cost of the care and service the decedent would have given them.

Spouses in wrongful death claims can usually collect compensation for loss of consortium or companionship. A DOHSA claim does not grant this option but it can reward an amount of compensation equal to the cost of household services or help the decedent could have offered during the marriage. A rough estimate of how many hours a month the decedent put into household chores is multiplied with what someone would have to pay to receive those same services in the state. The end result is the compensatory amount, extrapolated for many years.

DOHSA Aviation Rules

The Death on the High Seas Act also considers aviation disasters and accidents as potential grounds for a lawsuit under the act. An aviation crash that occurs more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest shore is considered to have occurred on the high seas, and fits the requirements of the DOHSA. Private aircraft and helicopter flights booked without any promise of compensation do not qualify; in general, DOHSA applies only to airline disasters.

Call our firm at (954) 914-7116 to discuss your legal options today.

Hundreds of Millions Won on Behalf of Our Clients

  • $14,000,000 Trucking Crash Case
  • $19,500,000 Medical Malpractice
  • $9,000,000 Maritime Claim

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Rash Mueller, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Highly recommended. They are professional, accommodating, and great with communication."
    They are the best! Highly recommended. They are professional, accommodating, and great with communication. I would not go to anyone else.
    - Brandon
    "e was a godsend to us in a time of extreme duress. If you are looking for an excellent attorney, look no further. 5 STARS!"
    David Rash is the kindest and most professional lawyer we have ever worked with. He is always timely in his responses to us and incredibly thorough. His experience and intelligence in his dealings makes working with him very easy. He was a godsend to us in a time of extreme duress. If you are looking for an excellent attorney, look no further. 5 STARS!
    - Mindy A.
    "He’s a good guy and very very good at what he does!"
    I can’t thank David Rash enough for everything he has done for me! Not only did he go out of his way to make sure I got everything I deserved, David was very caring and polite. He went out of his way to keep me informed and just to check in on my health. He’s a good guy and very very good at what he does! A+! If you want someone that actually cares, go with Rash Mueller. Thanks again David.
    - Jordan
    "My case was complicated to move forward due to other reasons..but she ain’t never let me down when speaking to her!"
    When I say..you’ve reached the right people..ur lucky to be in contact with them!! Although they couldn’t help me with my case..Leading up to the decision lori kept in contact, showed empathy, was straight forward with all detail! Lori told me more than my own drs or the hospital did..I have closure because of HER! So I still won! My case was complicated to move forward due to other reasons..but she ain’t never let me down when speaking to her! She speaks to you as if she knew you forever! I appreciate this firm so much because before they say NO..they try, the listen and the put work in!!! Thank you guys so much for everything!
    - Adrian B.
    "I so appreciate their kindness, genuine compassion, and “got my back” attitude."
    From the first phone conversation with Lori, to the first time meeting with David and Jeff, all the way through and to the conclusion of my case, I felt as if these people truly cared about what happened to me. They didn’t just see a potential “case”. They were upset with my situation. They wanted to help. Through the years that this whole process takes, I have gotten to know them a bit better, and they have gotten to know me. I now consider them less “my legal team”, and more a part of my extended family, whether they realize it, or like it, or not. I so appreciate their kindness, genuine compassion, and “got my back” attitude. I hope you are never in a situation to need these folks, but if you ever are, I highly recommend talking to them and seeing if it’s a right fit for all.
    - Joel F.
    "Wonderful team! Great group of people, very attentive to clients."
    Wonderful team! Great group of people, very attentive to clients, left us with no doubts in our process and stood by us til everything was taken care of. Would definitely recommend to others!!!
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    "Most professional lawyer we have ever worked with!"
    If you are looking for an excellent attorney, look no further.
    - Mindy A.
    "Wonderful team! Great group of people, very attentive to clients!"
    Would definitely recommend to others!!!
    - Jennica P.

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