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What Happens When a Seaman Dies at Sea?

The death of a professional seaman on the high seas is a tragedy. Families suffer from both emotional and financial losses. While federal law cannot undo the emotional loss, the Death on the High Seas Act was enacted to help families with the financial loss of their relative. In order for a family to recover damages under the Death on the High Seas Act, the family must prove that that the seaman died on the high seas and that the death occurred because of the employer’s negligence or because the vessel was unseaworthy. Lawsuits for damages under this Act must be brought within 3 years of a seaman’s death.

Other Admiralty/Maritime FAQs

Q: What is admiralty and maritime law?
A: Admiralty and maritime law are specific areas of law that regulate accidents and injuries of sea crew and passengers on ships, yachts and recreational boats. More
Q: What are my rights if I'm injured while on a cruise?
A: If you have been injured on a cruise ship, you have important legal rights. Common injuries on cruise ships include food poisoning, assault by crew members or … More
Q: I was injured while working on a boat at sea. What are my rights?
A: Working on a boat at sea is one of the riskiest jobs in the world. Seamen injured on the job due to negligence are entitled to compensation for their injuries … More
Q: Is My Vessel Seaworthy?
A: Maritime employers have a duty to provide their employees with a seaworthy vessel. A ship is considered to be seaworthy if it is suitable for all aspects of the … More
Q: Who is Liable If I am Hurt on an Unseaworthy Vessel?
A: Maritime employers are responsible for providing their employees with a seaworthy vessel on which to work. If a vessel is unseaworthy, meaning that it is not suitable … More
Q: What responsibilities do Maritime Employers Have to Keep Employees Safe?
A: While maritime employers cannot protect their employees from all of the dangers of working on the high seas, there are precautions that employers must take to … More
Q: What are the Most Common Injuries on a Cruise Ship and When is the Cruise Ship Company Liable?
A: There are many different ways in which a passenger can get hurt on a cruise ship. Contagious diseases and food poisoning are common types of injuries due to the … More
Q: What is the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program and How Does it Apply to Cruise Ships?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is given the authority to run the Vessel Sanitation Program in the federal Public Health Service Act. The … More
Q: What Laws Apply to the Safety of Offshore Oil and Gas Rig Workers?
A: Oil and gas rig workers, like other maritime employees have the right to fair working conditions where appropriate safety measures are taken despite the dangerous … More
Q: Commercial Fishing is One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in America: How does the Law Protect Workers and Their Families?
A: The federal Jones Act may provide damages to a commercial fisherman who is hurt during the course of his employment. In order to recover damages pursuant to the Jones … More