We Provide Award-Winning Legal Representation to Hold Employers Accountable for Negligence and Misconduct That Leads to Crew Member Deaths
The tragic death of a crew member can have devastating effects on their family and loved ones. Navigating the complexities of maritime law and seeking justice can be overwhelming during such a difficult time. Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is here to help.
With over fifty years of experience in maritime law, our dedicated team of 19 attorneys has the expertise and compassion needed to guide you through the legal process. We are committed to ensuring that the families of deceased crew members receive the compensation and justice they deserve. We have successfully recovered over $450 million for our clients, and we are ready to fight for your rights.
Our unwavering commitment to our clients has earned us consistent recognition as one of the “Best Law Firms” by US News & World Report. Additionally, several of our attorneys have been honored as “Best Lawyers,” reflecting our firm’s reputation for excellence in the legal community. We will fight tirelessly to obtain the maximum compensation available for you, in the wake of tragedy.
About the Death on the High Seas Act
Established in 1920, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) is a federal act that sets forth statutory rights regarding the death of a seaman that occurs on the high seas. If a seaman – including a crew member, guest or passenger – dies from negligence or a wrongful act on the high seas, a representative of the estate and surviving family may sue for actual monetary loss.
The lawsuit must be filed by a representative of the surviving family within three years of the death. The DOHSA action can be pursued on behalf of the decedent’s spouse, children and/or other financially dependent relatives.
What Is Covered in a DOHSA Claim?
Unlike typical wrongful land based death claims, a DOHSA action only provides recovery for monetary damages such as burial costs, medical bills, lost nurture, lost guidance, lost support and loss of net accumulations to the estate. You cannot sue for loss of companionship, pain and suffering of the survivors or punitive damages. Under certain circumstances a suit can be brought for the pain and suffering of the decedent prior to death.
A crew member death attorney at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. can guide you through filing a DOHSA claim within the statute of limitations as well as explain the rights afforded to you as a seaman. Our firm is AV-rated and maintains the highest level of integrity in all of our work. With over four decades of experience in maritime law, we can help you and your family pursue compensation for your loss. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Crew Member Deaths on Cruise Ships
One crew member death a year is far too many. Unfortunately, safety precautions are not always as obvious or readily available for crew members. In addition, cruise lines do not always make crew member safety a priority. As a result, accidents happen.
Recently, a Norwegian Cruise Line crew member was shot in Honduras while debarking at the port in Roatan. In March 2024, two crewmembers on a Florida-bound Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship’s engineering space, the cruise line said. In October of 2013, a 23-year-old crew member died, from “natural causes.” Later that week Carnival Cruise Lines reported the death of a crew member in New Orleans. The man was performing maintenance work on the outside of the ship when he suffered injuries after becoming stuck between a cherry picker and a lifeboat.
Accidents like these shine a light on the safety equipment requirements and protocols that vessel owners have a responsibility to provide to crew members. It does not matter where the ship is located, as a seaman you are owed a safe work place and a seaworthy vessel at all times.
Because there is a time limit for filing a DOHSA claim, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced crew member death attorney in a timely manner. The lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. are dedicated to helping the families of crew members receive compensation for their losses. We can advise on how maritime law applies to your case and guide you through the legal process. We will investigate the incident, gather necessary evidence and help you build a strong case.
Our Experienced Maritime Attorneys Will Work Tirelessly to Hold the Negligent Party Accountable for Your Loss After a Crew Member Death
At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our cruise ship lawyers are dedicated to helping the families of crew members who have died due to their employer’s negligence. With our extensive experience in cruise ship accidents and fearless approach to litigation, we are the firm that families of crew members turn to and trust when they lose their loved ones to cruise line or cargo ship operator negligence or unsafe working conditions. Contact us today for a free consultation through our secured contact form or call our office at 877–233–1238. We are standing by to help.
