Commercial fishing remains one of the most hazardous occupations in the world, with workers facing unpredictable weather, heavy equipment, and dangerous working conditions. When accidents happen at sea, injured crew members and their families often turn to an experienced commercial fishing accident lawyer for guidance.
By understanding the legal protections for maritime workers, victims of workplace injuries can better secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care. Knowing your rights under maritime law is essential to safeguarding your future after a serious incident.
Understanding Admiralty Law and Commercial Fishing
Admiralty law, also called maritime law, governs accidents, injuries, and disputes that occur on navigable waters. For commercial fishing crews, this body of law covers a wide range of situations, from equipment failures and vessel collisions to weather-related incidents. It also addresses claims involving unsafe working conditions, improper vessel maintenance, and violations of federal safety regulations.
Understanding these legal protections is crucial for crew members and their families when pursuing fair compensation after a commercial fishing accident, and can help ensure that those responsible for accidents are held accountable for negligence or unsafe practices at sea.
What Makes Admiralty Law Different?
Unlike standard workers’ compensation laws, admiralty law allows injured seamen to pursue several different types of claims at once. In addition to being able to pursue negligence claims against their employer under the Jones Act, injured seamen can also pursue claims for maintenance & cure and unseaworthiness. This can provide more comprehensive compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering, as well as future earning capacity, vocational rehabilitation, and long-term disability benefits. These legal remedies are especially important for commercial fishing accident victims, whose injuries may prevent them from returning to work in the demanding maritime industry.
“Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States with a fatality rate over 28 times higher than the U.S. average during 2000–2017.” — National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Unique Safety Challenges in Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing is physically demanding work that usually involves unpredictable, hazardous environments. Crews face long hours, heavy machinery, and rapidly changing weather conditions far from shore. Limited access to emergency medical care increases the risks when accidents happen, making every safety measure critical.
The circumstances commercial fishermen work call for strict adherence to safety protocols, proper training, and well-maintained equipment to protect workers, prevent catastrophic incidents, and reduce the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities while operating in these extreme conditions at sea.
Common Causes of Commercial Fishing Accidents
- Slip-and-falls on wet decks
- Entanglement in fishing gear
- Vessel instability or capsizing
- Fires or explosions on board
- Severe weather and rough seas.
Preventing Maritime Fishing Injuries
Employers must ensure that vessels are seaworthy, safety gear is accessible, and crew members are properly trained. Failure to meet these standards can lead to liability under admiralty law. Injured crew members should seek legal counsel experienced in maritime cases to understand their rights, gather critical evidence, and pursue fair compensation.
A qualified commercial fishing accident lawyer can help navigate complex claims, protect against employer retaliation, and maximize recovery for medical expenses, lost income, and future needs related to the injury.
Your Legal Rights After a Fishing Accident
If you are hurt while working on a fishing vessel, you may be entitled to:
- Medical treatment costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Maintenance and cure benefits
A knowledgeable maritime attorney can guide you through filing a claim, negotiating settlements, and, if needed, pursuing litigation to secure the compensation you deserve. With the help of an experienced commercial fishing accident lawyer, you can better navigate complex admiralty laws, meet critical deadlines, and build a strong case supported by expert testimony and thorough evidence.
At BoatLaw, LLP, we’ve dedicated our practice to protecting injured seamen and their families. We understand the unique dangers of commercial fishing and the complexities of admiralty law. Our team works tirelessly to secure the full compensation our clients deserve, from medical costs to lost income. If you’ve been hurt at sea, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. The information on this website is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Legal outcomes and laws can vary by jurisdiction, and only a qualified lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Douglas R. Williams was raised in a military family. After retiring from the armed forces, his father sailed as the chief medical officer with many of the most popular cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. When not in school, Doug spent a good part of his youth in the crew quarters sailing with his father on cruise ships. He developed a practical knowledge of the maritime industry from a young age. Learn More here.
