Elements that Qualify You Under Maritime Injury Act DOHSA

When an offshore worker suffers a fatal maritime accident injury, he or she often leaves behind a devastated family. This sudden loss of companionship is difficult enough to deal with, but there’s also significant financial suffering due to the loss of income of the deceased maritime worker.

The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) was established to help families of fatally injured maritime workers recover compensation for the loss of their loved ones. Only certain parties can file a claim under this maritime injury act, so it’s important to consult a Lafayette injury lawyer who knows the laws to help determine if you qualify.

Under the DOHSA, the personal representative of the deceased must bring about the suit for damages. The damages awarded are to benefit the spouse, parent, child or other dependent relative as determined under admiralty law. A spouse, parent, child or dependant relative may serve as the personal representative but there may be arguments as to who will be designated the personal representative.

If there’s a challenge among survivors of the deceased for the right to file a lawsuit under DOHSA, you may need attorneys in Lafayette, LA to help you straighten out the representatives. 

There are several maritime injury acts that can be utilized in seeking damages for the loss of a loved one in a maritime accident. Not all acts will apply to your case, and you may have rights under certain acts that you aren’t aware of. It’s best to consult with an experienced Lafayette injury lawyer to determine what to do in your situation.

Attorneys near Lafayette, LA May Help Your Maritime Accident Claim

Maritime law provides you with certain protections your employer may not want you to know about. If you are near Lafayette, an injury lawyer from The Young Firm in New Orleans, Louisiana can help you if you have suffered in a maritime accident where the maritime injury acts may apply. 

Though we are based in Louisiana, we are ready and able to help injured victims throughout the U.S. Order our free Maritime Injury Law guide and/or our guide to what to do when you are injured offshore to learn all about your rights as an injured worker. 

When you are ready to get started with your offshore accident injury case, we urge you to contact us today for a FREE case evaluation – call 1-504-680-4100 or toll free at 1-866-938-6113.