Change DOHSA & Jones Act
The DOHSA and Jones Act are both outdated laws that do not look out for the best interest of the employees or the families of the individuals that work on vessels whether it be a cruise ship or a drilling rig.
?On April 20, 2010, our lives were forever changed when we learned that the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded and killed 11 men. This disaster devastated 11 families, including ours. In our grief we learned that the current federal maritime laws governing who bears responsibility for the wrongful deaths of our loved ones are grossly inadequate and outdated. The SPILL Act addresses these inadequacies and provides equal justice for all victims of maritime catastrophes. The bill fixes a long-standing dichotomy under current laws that values the lives of those who die at sea far less than those who die on land? No amount of money can compensate us for the loss of our loved ones, but your bill allows for the recovery of more nearly adequate damages when a wrongful death occurs on the high seas.? It is obvious that when the U.S. Congress was drafting the Death on the High Seas Act in
1920, the focus was on the men and women who went to sea on ships to work and support their families. The damages allowed by the statute would replace the support being provided by the family bread winner. However, in other contexts, the DOHSA limits on damages can be cruel. Where the decedent is an elderly retiree, no longer supporting anyone and consuming, rather than accumulating, and inheritable estate, or is a teenage boy who has no income and no dependents, but is the pride and joy of his family, the Death on the High Seas Act can leave surviving family members with a great loss, but no recoverable damages.
Please, Revise DOSHA with 21st century standards and realities in mind!
1920, the focus was on the men and women who went to sea on ships to work and support their families. The damages allowed by the statute would replace the support being provided by the family bread winner. However, in other contexts, the DOHSA limits on damages can be cruel. Where the decedent is an elderly retiree, no longer supporting anyone and consuming, rather than accumulating, and inheritable estate, or is a teenage boy who has no income and no dependents, but is the pride and joy of his family, the Death on the High Seas Act can leave surviving family members with a great loss, but no recoverable damages.
Please, Revise DOSHA with 21st century standards and realities in mind!
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