Commercial fishing is widely considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
Our firm is often contacted by crew members working aboard commercial fishing vessels after serious injuries occur at sea. In fact, we were recently hired by a deckhand who slipped and fell during dangerous conditions aboard a fishing vessel and suffered significant injuries.
That situation prompted a broader discussion about the legal protections available to workers on commercial fishing vessels.
When serious injuries occur aboard a vessel operating far offshore, maritime law provides important rights for crew members. Understanding those rights can make a major difference for injured workers and their families.
Commercial fishing consistently ranks among the most hazardous occupations in the United States.
Fishing vessel crews often work long shifts in extreme weather while performing physically demanding labor on moving decks surrounded by heavy equipment.
Some of the most dangerous conditions fishing crews face include:
• powerful waves and sudden vessel movement
• icy or wet deck surfaces
• heavy fishing gear and crab pots
• ladders and elevated work areas
• long hours with limited rest
• freezing water temperatures
• remote locations far from medical care
Even routine tasks such as carrying gear, moving equipment, or climbing ladders can become extremely dangerous when vessels are operating in rough seas.
Slip-and-fall accidents, equipment injuries, and falls overboard remain some of the most common causes of serious injuries aboard commercial fishing vessels.
Because these vessels often operate hundreds of miles from shore, injured workers may face additional challenges obtaining immediate medical care.
Fishing vessel crew members are often considered seamen under federal maritime law.
When seamen are injured while working aboard a vessel, they may have legal protections under Jones Act maritime injury cases.
The Jones Act allows injured maritime workers to pursue claims against their employers if negligence contributed to the injury.
Negligence may include issues such as:
• unsafe working conditions
• failure to maintain safe decks or equipment
• inadequate training or supervision
• failure to follow safety procedures
Each situation depends on the specific facts surrounding the accident.
Maritime law also provides a long-standing protection known as maintenance and cure.
Maintenance refers to the basic living expenses that a vessel owner must provide while an injured seaman recovers.
Cure refers to the medical treatment required to help the injured worker reach maximum medical improvement.
These protections apply regardless of who was at fault for the injury.
In many cases, disputes arise over whether medical care should be approved or whether maintenance payments are sufficient.
Injuries that occur aboard vessels are governed by federal maritime law rather than traditional workers’ compensation systems.
This means the legal rights available to injured seamen can be different from those that apply to land-based workers.
Fishing vessel injury cases often involve issues such as:
• vessel safety procedures
• training and supervision
• maintenance of equipment
• medical care provided after the injury
Understanding these factors can be critical when determining whether a maritime claim may exist.
After a serious injury at sea, workers are often focused on recovering and returning to normal life.
However, early legal guidance can help protect important rights under maritime law.
Important evidence in maritime injury cases may include:
• vessel incident reports
• crew witness statements
• safety records
• maintenance logs
• medical records
Preserving this information early can help injured maritime workers understand their options moving forward.
VB Attorneys represents maritime workers injured aboard commercial fishing vessels and other offshore operations.
Our trial lawyers handle Jones Act and maritime injury cases involving serious injuries at sea.
Understanding your rights under maritime law can be an important step toward protecting your future after an accident aboard a vessel.
What rights do injured fishing vessel workers have?
Fishing vessel workers who qualify as seamen may have rights under the Jones Act and other maritime laws if negligence contributed to their injury.
What is maintenance and cure?
Maintenance and cure requires vessel owners to provide basic living expenses and medical treatment to injured seamen during recovery.
Can a fishing vessel worker sue their employer?
Yes. Under the Jones Act, injured seamen may bring claims against their employer if unsafe working conditions contributed to the injury.
If you were injured while working aboard a vessel or in another maritime job, you can contact our maritime injury attorneys to discuss your situation.
Call (877) 724-7800 for a confidential consultation, or submit a message through our contact form.
There is no fee unless we win your case.