Death on the High Seas Act Lawyer in Miami

Board-Certified Maritime Counsel for Offshore Death Claims

Offshore wrongful death claims turn on where the death occurred, who may bring the action, and which maritime law governs. We are Michael C. Black, P.A., a maritime and transportation law firm representing families after fatal incidents at sea. Michael C. Black holds board certification in Admiralty and Maritime Law from the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education.

We represent families of cruise passengers, seamen, longshore workers, and harbor workers. Our work begins with determining the governing law and investigating the circumstances before critical evidence becomes harder to obtain.

Call (305) 964-8792 to request a free initial consultation about a maritime wrongful death and the next steps available to your family.

When the Death on the High Seas Act Applies

The Death on the High Seas Act generally applies when a wrongful act, neglect, or default causes a death more than 3 nautical miles from the shore of the United States. The 3-nautical-mile mark is a boundary set specifically by DOHSA, separate from the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea the United States has recognized since 1988. Deaths closer to shore may instead fall under state wrongful death law or general maritime law.

We handle maritime wrongful death claims involving:

• Drowning
• Overboard accidents
• Shore excursion accidents
• Vessel collisions
• Assaults
• Work-related accidents
• Defective products
• Cargo accidents
• Slip-and-falls

The governing law may also depend on the decedent’s work and the party responsible. The Jones Act governs a seaman’s claim for a death caused by an employer’s negligence, while the Death on the High Seas Act can apply to a claim against a non-employer third party. It also allows an action based on a foreign cause of action, a right created under another country’s law, to be brought in federal court for a death on the high seas.

Investigation & Preservation of Maritime Evidence

We begin by investigating the circumstances of the death. Prompt evidence preservation is important because vessel operations continue and several parties may hold relevant records. We move quickly to identify and preserve those materials.

Our investigation can include preserving:

• Vessel records
• Crew logs
• Surveillance footage
• Witness accounts

We coordinate with maritime authorities and forensic experts as the investigation develops. We also manage the court filing requirements for the wrongful death claim while keeping the family informed about the legal process and the decisions ahead.

Discuss an Offshore Death with Maritime Counsel

We have more than 30 years of experience representing families in maritime and admiralty wrongful death cases. We return calls promptly and provide representation in English and Spanish. Our contact page lists ways to reach us by phone or online.

Call (305) 964-8792 for a free initial consultation with our Miami maritime wrongful death counsel.