Legal Definitions - DOHSA

DOHSA (pronounced doh-suh) is an abbreviation for Death on the High Seas Act.

This law applies to deaths that occur on the open sea, beyond three nautical miles from the shore of any state or territory of the United States.

DOHSA provides compensation to the families of those who die due to negligence or wrongful acts on the high seas.

For example, if a person dies in a boating accident while on a cruise ship in international waters, their family may be able to seek compensation under DOHSA.

Another example would be if a worker on an offshore oil rig dies due to the negligence of their employer, their family may be able to seek compensation under DOHSA.

These examples illustrate how DOHSA provides a way for families to seek justice and compensation for the loss of a loved one on the high seas.