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My Boatlife
My Boat Life
27 Feb 2025


NextImg:Your Rights If You Are Injured on a Fishing Boat
fishing injury

Recreational fishing on the seashore or from the rocks is fun and relaxing. In contrast, commercial fishing is stressful and highly dangerous. Commercial fishers are at a 28 times higher risk of death while on a commercial fishing vessel in comparison to other jobs in the U.S. 

This is mainly because of rough seas, unpredictable weather, and the use of heavy machinery. Fortunately, maritime law impacts the rights of maritime workers, including those employed on fishing boats. 

You have the right to medical care and compensation if you sustain an injury while working on a fishing boat in Texas. However, it is crucial to understand how federal and maritime laws affect your case. 

Fishing boat workers are covered by more than one maritime law. These laws provide protection and compensation when injuries happen. The main laws that apply include: 

While you work on a fishing boat, you are exposed to several hazards. The most common causes of fishing boat injuries include:

Fishing boat accidents can happen very unexpectedly. You must get medical attention immediately if you suffer an injury in such an accident. Your health and safety should be your top concern. 

Also, report the injury or ask a coworker to report it to a supervisor or manager. While waiting for help to arrive, you should take photos of the accident site, if possible. Take a video if the seas are rough or there is a storm. Get footage of the equipment or machinery involved in the accident. 

If you have visible injuries on your body, try to get photos of that, too. Ask your coworkers who saw what happened to provide a statement. 

If you want to file a compensation case, you should consult a maritime injury lawyer. These lawyers have the necessary experience in maritime law and can help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you can claim various compensation types. As mentioned, maintenance and cure will cover medical bills and basic living costs while you recover. 

You can claim compensation for time off work and potential future income losses if you can no longer fish after your injury. You may also be entitled to compensation for emotional distress and physical pain if your employer was negligent. 

Should your injuries result in your death, your family will have the option to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. This will help them pay for funeral expenses and compensate them for their emotional anguish. 

You must prove your employer was negligent in filing a claim under the Jones Act. This means proving the employer failed to provide a safe working environment and their negligence directly caused your injury. 

An experienced lawyer can help you file a claim like this and determine which maritime laws apply to your case. Your lawyer will investigate all the aspects of your accident and injury and negotiate with the employer and insurance company. 

Hiring a lawyer should be at the top of your list after a fishing boat injury to ensure you get the compensation you need while you recover.