Death on the High Seas Act
The Death on the High Seas Act (46 USC app. ' 761 ), commonly known as DOHSA, is a provision of federal maritime law that allows members of a deceased seaman?s family to file for benefits if he or she dies due to the negligence of the seaman's employer while the employee was on the high seas. The high seas are legally defined as any location at sea more than 'one marine league' (three nautical miles) off the shore of any U.S. state, district, territory, or dependency. Common causes for legal action under the Death on the High Seas Act include: The Death on the High Seas Act (46 USC app. ' 761 ), commonly known as DOHSA, is a provision of federal maritime law that allows members of a deceased seaman's family to file for benefits if he or she dies due to the negligence of the seaman's employer while the employee was on the high seas.
The high seas are legally defined as any location at sea more than 'one marine league' (three nautical miles) off the shore of any U.S. state, district, territory, or dependency.
Common causes for legal action under the Death on the High Seas Act include:
- sinking or capsizing of the vessel can occur due to weather, ship defect, etc.
- fire or explosion at sea (e.g., due to petroleum storage)
- inadequate maintenance
- improper handling of cargo
- faulty lifting tackle or other heavy equipment
- improperly-trained personnel
- failure to provide prompt medical attention in the event of an emergency
