Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
A federal remedy for the death of seamen or other individuals arising from
negligence, strict liability, or the unseaworthiness of a vessel and occurring
on the high seas that is beyond 3 nautical miles from shore on a worldwide basis.
Legal proceedings must be initiated within 3 years of the accident by a representative
of all survivors of the deceased individual. Damages awarded are based on actual
monetary loss and do not extend to encompass such usual compensable expenses
as medical and funeral costs. Additionally, the award may be reduced but not
eliminated by the contributory negligence of the deceased.
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