Finding Justice After a Wrongful Death at Sea
The maritime lawyers at BoatLaw, LLP (formerly Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski) have decades of experience litigating wrongful death claims for the families of offshore workers lost at sea. When you work with us, you can expect competent-but-compassionate care from top-rated attorneys focused solely on maritime and admiralty cases.
Call Us at 1-800-BOATLAW (1-800-262-8529) for a free case review. You can also contact us online and a member of our legal team will be in touch shortly.
Notable Maritime Death Case Results
We are known for the compassionate care we give our clients and our long history of successfully resolving cases involving wrongful death at sea.
| Compensation Awarded | Description |
| $8,000,000 | Settlement for wrongful death |
| $2,670,000 |
Wrongful death settlement for a maritime worker
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| $1,000,000 |
Wrongful death settlement for an offshore worker
|
See More Recent Case Results ->
How the Death on the High Seas Act and the Jones Act Protect Families After a Wrongful Death At Sea
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) provides important legal rights to families of victims who have tragically died beyond three nautical miles from U.S. shores due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. This Act provides a path for the families of victims to obtain compensation for their losses, and addresses the financial and emotional vacuums left behind in the wake of a loved one’s death.
A Death on the High Seas Act lawyer can significantly help in the legal process and can ensure that victims’ families receive the maximum possible compensation for the death of their loved one.
In the following article, we’ll explain useful information regarding DOHSA, including eligibility for filing claims, potential financial compensation, and how an experienced lawyer manages the legal process.
How to File DOSHA and Jones Act Death Claims
- Make sure you understand which claims you may qualify for by consulting an experienced maritime attorney
- Your attorney will walk you through each step and file your claim for you
- How long this process takes will vary, but in our experience, most cases are resolved in 12 to 36 months.
Contact us for a free consultation ->
BoatLaw’s Nationally Recognized Maritime Attorneys
Douglas R. WilliamsDouglas R. Williams was raised in a military family. After retiring from the armed forces, his father sailed as the chief medical officer with several of the world’s prominent cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Doug spent a good part of his youth—when not in school—living in crew quarters aboard ships, sailing with his father. These experiences shaped his career by giving him firsthand exposure to the maritime industry from an early age. Read Doug’s lawyer profile. |
Nicholas J. NeidzwskiNicholas J. Neidzwski is an accomplished trial attorney who handles maritime and personal injury litigation. Nick’s litigation experience includes the successful resolution of various Jones Act, general maritime, and product liability cases on behalf of many different individuals against various companies, including some of the largest maritime corporations in the United States. He has appeared for plaintiffs in state and federal courts throughout Washington, California, Oregon, and Alaska, and has established a reputation as a dedicated advocate for injured individuals and their families. Read Nick’s lawyer profile. |
Law Firm Reviews
Don’t take our word for it, hear what clients have to say about the maritime attorneys at BoatLaw, LLP.
| The people at BoatLaw,LLP have truly been a Godsend. They fought for me when things were looking so tough for my future. Through their hard work, we were rewarded the maximum policy limit for my injury. I was able to get care at the top hospital in California and number two in the entire nation.
When you are hurt it is very hard to keep fighting everyday. Nick, Allyssa and the rest of his team personally checked on me, fought till we won and continues to support me through this stressful process. I would 100% recommend them. I’ve read reviews like this before and tbh didn’t fully believe them. But BoatLaw really went above and beyond for me. I had no hope, no money, and was severely hurt. Just having someone on your side that cares is huge. Im glad this whole thing is over but I am going to miss Nick,Alyssa,and the whole team at BoatLaw. They never gave up on me even when I wanted to give up. This group of people are amazing and I’m truly grateful for everything they have done for me. Thank you Nick, Alyssa, and the rest of the BoatLaw team, I’ll be forever grateful to you guys.” Devon Davis |
“If you told me 2.5 years ago I would be writing a glowing review for Lawyers and a Law Firm of my own free will, I would have laughed at you. Well here I am. After a personal injury, in which I fully blamed another party, I did much soul searching and decided to retain an attorney. After many phone calls to Attorneys in Seattle and New York City, I was directed to BoatLaw, LLP.
I believe Nick Neidzwski… of BoatLaw, LLP represented me to the fullest of their ability. They were honest, up front about how things would go, kept clear and concise communication with me. They informed me in advance of the risks and were very open about the process and how things would proceed. Nick called weekly to update me. When the opposition threw wrenches into our works, Nick worked tirelessly into the night to afford me the best representation anyone could want… Through their use of experts, joint examinations, depositions, medical records they were able to satisfactorily prove my case well enough that the other side settled. They also got me more than I expected. Their support staff at the office, especially Laura, were excellent and professional. They always made me feel welcome. I would highly recommend them!” Scott King |
“From the moment I was introduced to Nick and his team… eased my worries and made me feel secure that there were really good people working on my behalf.
And boy did they work. My case was not an easy one. There were a lot of firsts for everybody. Nick, Assal, and the rest of his team pushed through every hurdle lobbed our way with grace and poise, handling each new obstacle with apparent ease. One of my favorite things was that I got to be super hands off. I only joined the process when I was able to — or when I was required to — and no more than that. Life is very unfair, often to the same people over and over again. Luckily, life has also given us Nick and his team, a group of people who have dedicated their lives to helping people in some of the worst possible situations. And they’re so good at it. Great at it! And compassionate and caring and respectful and kind. There aren’t enough adjectives, and there isn’t enough data storage, to describe or hold the amount of gratitude I have for the amazing people that work here and at his other locations.” Autumn Rose |
See more reviews of Boatlaw, LLP ->
Where We Handle Maritime Death Cases
The legal team at BoatLaw, LLP is ready to assist the families of maritime workers who’ve lost their lives on the job anywhere from Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and Florida.
| State | Description | Top Ports |
| Washington | Law offices in Bellingham and Seattle. | |
| Oregon | Maritime law office in Portland. | |
| California | Maritime law offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. | |
| Alaska | DOSHA wrongful death attorneys serving Alaska |
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| Florida | DOSHA wrongful death attorneys serving Florida |
Potential Damages After a Wrongful Death at Sea
The damages under DOHSA are primarily focused on compensating the survivors for the tangible financial losses they have incurred as a result of their loved one’s death.
- Loss of Support: seeks to compensate the family members and dependents of the deceased for the loss of financial support they previously relied upon. This encompasses not just the immediate loss of income that the deceased was providing at the time of their death but also extends to the projected future earnings they would have contributed to their family’s welfare over the course of their expected lifetime. Calculations for loss of support take into account the deceased’s earning potential, career trajectory, and the financial needs of the survivors.
- Loss of Services: includes non-monetary contributions, such as childcare, household maintenance, and other day-to-day tasks that now represent an additional burden on the survivors.
- Funeral Expenses: DOHSA also allows for the recovery of funeral and burial expenses, providing some financial relief to families.
It is important to note that non-economic damages, such as those for pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death or the emotional distress of the survivors, are generally not recoverable under DOHSA.
Also, the principle of comparative negligence applies under DOHSA. This means that if the deceased is found to have been partially at fault for the circumstances leading to their death, the total amount of damages awarded can be proportionally reduced. For example, if the deceased is deemed to have been 30% responsible for the accident that led to their death, the compensation awarded to the survivors would be reduced by 30%.
Death at Sea FAQ
How Are Insurance Companies Involved with DOHSA Claims?
Insurance companies provide coverage for the organizations that might be held liable under the Act, like shipping companies, cruise lines, or other maritime operators. These companies evaluate claims, negotiate settlements, and may pay compensation to the victims’ families on behalf of the insured organizations.
What Are Common Defenses Against Claims Under DOHSA?
Common defenses against claims under DOHSA include arguing that the death did not result from negligence or a wrongful act by the defendant. Defendants may also claim that the incident occurred within territorial waters, where DOHSA does not apply. Additionally, they might assert that the deceased’s own actions contributed to the accident, potentially reducing their liability.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Claim Under DOHSA?
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Claim Under DOHSA?Yes, there are time limits for filing a claim under DOHSA. Generally, a lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date of the death. This statute of limitations is important for individuals to be aware of, as failing to file within this period can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation under the Act.
How Does DOHSA Apply to Deaths That Occur Abroad?
DOSHA is for deaths that occur on the high seas, more than three nautical miles from the shore of any state, including incidents that happen abroad. It does not apply to injuries or deaths that occur within U.S. territorial waters or on land, regardless of the location.
What Documentation Is Required to Support a Claim Under DOHSA?
Supporting a claim under DOHSA requires documentation, including the death certificate, evidence of the cause of death (like accident reports and witness statements), proof of the deceased’s earnings and potential future earnings, and documentation showing the relationship between the individual and the deceased.
Work With Our Trusted Maritime Lawyers
If a person close to you, such as a spouse, parent or child, dies while at sea, you may be entitled to compensation under both the Jones Act and the Death on the High Seas Act. The DOHSA lawyers at BoatLaw, LLP (formerly Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski, LLP) can help you recover what is owed to you, along with any other compensation you are due.
Contact us today to champion your cause and navigate the complexities of maritime claims, ensuring that your rights are fiercely protected and your future is secured.
Call 1 (800) 262-8529 for a free claim review and consultation.
Do not settle for less than what your case is worth!
