With more than 85 years of combined experience representing seamen, fishermen, and maritime workers, Trueb Berne & Beard LLP is the only maritime injury and wrongful death law firm with attorneys based in and working out of Alaska.
Our attorneys – Lanning Trueb, Zach Berne, & Jim Beard – have represented clients in hundreds of injury and wrongful death claims across all corners of the state including tragic vessel sinkings in Sitka, vessel fires in Kodiak, life-altering injuries aboard processors in Dutch Harbor, tug and barge accidents along the Kuskokwim river, and falls from gangways in Juneau. We regularly travel throughout the state to conduct vessel inspections, interview witnesses, investigate accidents, and ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. Among other types of claims, we have represented clients in Jones Act injury claims, unseaworthiness actions, Death on the High Seas lawsuits, and federal general maritime law claims.
The attorneys at Trueb Berne & Beard approach maritime law not just based on their legal training but also with an understanding of maritime work gained through firsthand experience working long hours in physically demanding jobs. For several seasons, Lanning ran his own commercial gillnetter while salmon fishing in Bristol Bay. Lanning has also worked in lumber mills and construction in Oregon, Montana, California, and Arizona. Zach has experience as a wildland firefighter throughout the West, farming and ranch hand work, and in construction jobs ranging from custom cabinetry to ironworking at a U.S. research station in Antarctica. Jim grew up working on oyster and aquaculture farms along the Washington coast. These experiences allow Lanning, Zach, and Jim to connect with our clients in Alaska’s maritime industries and understand the rigors of working on the water.
With our main office in Anchorage, Alaska, our attorneys have local knowledge of weather conditions, connections with Alaska-based investigative services, and significant experience pursuing maritime injury and wrongful death claims in Alaska courts. Our offices in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon allow us to tap into a broad network to consult on claims when necessary.
In recent cases, our attorneys have represented the families of individuals who passed away after a fishing vessel capsized in Southeast, Alaska, a commercial fisherman who lost his lower leg in an accident in Dutch Harbor, and a fish processor maimed by equipment aboard a vessel. Beyond their legal claims, we also help clients through the estate and probate process after a death at sea, obtain medical treatment, and work with maritime insurance companies to ensure our clients receive their rightful benefits. We understand that injuries and deaths on the water have profound impacts on our clients and their families. Our goal is to achieve the best outcome for our injured clients and the survivors of those who have passed while providing support throughout the medical, insurance, and claims process after injuries and fatal accidents.
The perils of the sea and the danger of maritime work unfortunately have severe consequences for fishermen, seamen, tug workers, and others injured or lost at sea. Maritime injury and death claims can be complicated and difficult to work through. If you or a loved one need help after a maritime accident, please contact Lanning, Zach, or Jim at Trueb Berne & Beard – 907-277-0161.
