When you purchase fish at the market, you do not often think about the process involved in getting the fish from the ocean to the store, nor the employees who took part. Fishing industries have many working parts and employees with tasks directly involved with the fishing vessel and fish processing.
There are significant risks and dangers with these jobs. When maritime injuries occur on the job, the legal issues involved can be complex.
Fishing industry injuries
At Trueb Bearne & Beard, LLP, our law firm has seen its fair share of accidents and injuries related to commercial fishing vessel because this is the focus of our practice. We understand that the risk of injury exists for maritime employees ranging from deckhand to fish processors, and our knowledgeable attorneys have experience representing injured fishermen that have suffered TBIs, injuries to the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist, loss of sight, balance disorders and the amputation of limbs, hands and feet.
Maritime claims
A certain level of protection and rights are afforded specifically to maritime workers. In the course of employment, risk of injury remains present in the fishing industry even when a worker is properly and adequately performing their duties.
A fisherman could suffer an injury while boarding or disembarking the vessel, performing work duties in the cargo hold, working on the deck of the vessel, operating cranes and winches or when using a walkway, staircase or ladder and suffering a slip or fall. Injuries specific to the fishing industry could involve crab pots, pot launchers, line coilers, crab blocks, bait choppers and sorting tables. Additionally, there is always a risk of injury in the event of a fire or explosion.
An injury can have long-lasting consequences for your life and your career. It is important to understand your rights and options.