Wrongful Death on the High Seas

If a person dies on the on the high seas, the deceased individual’s spouse and other family members may be able to collect damages. As stipulated by the Death on the High Seas Act of 1920, damages may be collected if the death was the result of a wrongful act, neglect, or default in international waters. After the TWA 800 crash in 1996, the act was amended to extend coverage to more family members and to expand the scope of damages.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one in a maritime death, contact the Harrisburg wrongful death lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511.

Limits of the Death on the High Seas Act

For damages to be collected under the Death on the High Seas Act, the death must occur in international waters, which are defined as seas and oceans 12 miles off the shore of any state, territory, or dependent of the United States.

If such a death occurs, coverage is extended to the following family members: spouse, children, parents, and other financially dependent relatives. These family members may recover monetary losses, including future income losses.

Contact Us

The Death on the High Seas Act is one of many laws that govern maritime deaths. Other laws regulate deaths on drilling platforms, rivers, and lakes. If you or anyone you know has lost a loved one in a maritime death, contact the Harrisburg wrongful death lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511.