DOHSA claims are typically brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate for the benefit of surviving family members. Because these cases are governed by federal maritime law, early investigation and preservation of evidence are essential.
Key steps to protect your claim:
-
Secure incident reports, vessel logs, and maintenance records
-
Identify all responsible parties (vessel owner, operator, contractors)
-
Preserve communications and witness statements
-
Avoid early settlement offers without legal review
Recoverable damages under DOHSA may include:
-
Loss of financial support and benefits
-
Loss of services the decedent would have provided
-
Funeral expenses (in certain circumstances)
Our firm focuses on maximizing recoverable damages within DOHSA’s framework while aggressively pursuing third-party liability where available. We understand offshore operations and how to prove fault in maritime environments.
