Will the Death on the High Seas Act be Revised?

If your loved one has been killed in a maritime accident then you may be entitled to damages. The Death on the High Seas Act provides damages to the surviving spouse, parent, or child of a seaman who was killed due to negligence on the high seas. Damages may include compensation for lost wages due to the worker’s death. The determination of lost wages is based on the worker’s age and salary at the time of death.

Changes to the Death on the High Seas Act May be Coming
It is important to note that as of August 2010 legislation has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate that would amend the Death on the High Seas Act to increase the potential financial recovery for survivors of those killed in maritime accidents. If the bill becomes law, the Death on the High Seas Act would be amended by the Fairness in Admiralty and Maritime Law Act, allowing survivors of those killed in maritime accidents on the high seas to recover for the pain and suffering and loss of compassion, care, and comfort caused by the death of their loved ones.

For more information about your potential recovery, please contact a New Jersey and New York maritime accident attorney at 1-800-3-MAY-DAY for a free consultation.