The Law Offices of Brent J. Rhodes

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The Law Offices of Brent J. Rhodes

Your Advocate In Serious Injury Claims

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Understanding The Death On The High Seas Act

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. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) is a provision of federal maritime law that allows the surviving family members of a deceased seaman to seek benefits if the seaman’s death occurred on the high seas and was a direct result of his or her employer’s negligence.

The law surrounding DOHSA claims is extremely complex, and these cases require the attention of a qualified Louisiana Death on the High Seas Act lawyer. If your loved one was killed while working on the high seas, it is important that you have strong legal representation behind you from the start. At the Law Offices of Brent J. Rhodes in Houma, Louisiana, I represent families across the state whose loved ones have been killed on the high seas.

Seaman Fatalities Have Several Common Causes

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of others while at sea, I can take action against the responsible parties on your behalf. I will seek maximum financial compensation for your loss. I know that no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. I only hope to put you and your children in the best possible situation as you begin to move forward with your lives.

Common causes for legal action under DOHSA can include:

  • Sinking or capsizing of a vessel that occurs due to weather, ship defect or captain’s error
  • Fire or explosion at sea, including stored petroleum
  • 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

Contact A Louisiana Maritime Law Attorney | Available 24/7

Contact my Terrebonne Parish office to discuss your DOHSA claim and learn more about what I can do to help you. I offer a free initial consultation in every case. You can reach me at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 985-262-7799 or toll free at 866-692-8703.