Due to the hazards and pressures of the job, commercial fishermen face a serious injury rate that is 28 to 30 times higher than that of the average worker. If you are a commercial fisherman and were injured on the job, there are several pathways for you to receive compensation for your injuries, and you should seek help from the right seaman injury attorneys immediately.
Your road to compensation can begin by contacting an accomplished Houston commercial fisherman accident lawyer at Williams Hart & Boundas.
Commercial Fishermen Face Serious Occupational Hazards
The work of commercial fishermen involves long hours in harsh, unpredictable conditions, often battling storms, high waves, and freezing temperatures. Operating heavy machinery on wet, unstable decks increases the risk of slips, falls, and crushing injuries. Entanglement in nets or fishing lines, collisions with other vessels, and sudden equipment malfunctions can result in serious and sometimes fatal accidents. Extended, tiresome shifts and lack of prompt access to medical help further magnify these risks.
Despite legal safety regulations, fishermen know that the nature of commercial fishing remains inherently hazardous, making accidents more likely. These dangers not only threaten physical well-being but can also cause long-term financial and emotional strain.
If you were injured in this type of accident in Houston, contact a commercial fisherman accident attorney immediately.
How Can Commercial Fishermen Seek Compensation for Their Injuries?
There are three different ways that a commercial fisherman may pursue compensation for their injuries.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Claim
They can file a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, outlined in 33 United States Code Chapter 901. The Department of Labor administers this federal program. Obtaining compensation does not depend on fault, but rather on being able to prove that you suffered a job-related injury. You can receive medical expenses and partial lost wages.
Personal Injury Lawsuit Against an Employer
You can file a personal injury lawsuit against your commercial employer under the Jones Act, outlined in 46 United States Code Chapter 24, if you meet the law’s definition of a “seaman” and you can prove negligence. With this option, you can receive full compensation and be paid for your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Personal Injury Lawsuit Against a Manufacturer
If a problem with the fishing boat itself or the provided safety equipment caused the accident, you can file a lawsuit against your employer on the basis that the commercial vessel was unseaworthy. In this case, your employer is strictly liable if you can show that the boat was unseaworthy. You can receive similar damages to those that you would be able to obtain in a Jones Act lawsuit.
A commercial fisherman accident attorney in Houston can help you determine which option is best for your situation.
How Can a Lawyer Help You?
A fisherman injury attorney on our Houston legal team can play a critical role in protecting your rights as a commercial seaman and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. These cases often involve complex maritime laws, including the Jones Act and general maritime negligence claims, which require specialized knowledge.
Our experienced maritime lawyers can investigate the accident thoroughly and gather evidence, such as vessel logs, maintenance records, witness statements, and expert testimony, to establish employer negligence or unsafe working conditions. We can calculate the full extent of damages and ensure we cover every aspect, including:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
Our injury attorneys also handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies that may try to minimize payouts or dispute claims. If necessary, we are prepared to litigate aggressively in court to secure fair compensation. Our lawyers can guide you through the legal process, providing peace of mind, financial security, and a path toward recovery after a dangerous workplace accident.
Contact a Houston Lawyer After a Commercial Fishing Injury
If you are a commercial fisherman injured on the job, you need an attorney who understands both the unique dangers of your work and maritime law. At Williams Hart & Boundas, an experienced Houston commercial fisherman accident lawyer can fight to ensure you receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term impacts.
Do not face the aftermath of a workplace injury alone. Protect your rights and contact Williams Hart & Boundas today for a free consultation.