Fourchon Fishing Boat Accident Lawyer
Many fishermen and women spend days and weeks at a time at sea earning a living. During this time, they are at the mercy of the elements, as well as the occupational dangers that often come with a commercial fishing operation. As a result, it is not uncommon for employees on fishing boats to suffer serious injuries. These can range in severity from simple cuts from fishing hooks to broken bones or concussions resulting from slipping on a wet deck. After any such incident, injured fishing boat workers typically have the right to request compensation. If you suffered such an injury, consult with a Fourchon fishing boat accident lawyer.
In many fishing accident cases, an injured person may have to file a lawsuit directly at their employer to pursue compensation. A skilled commercial fishing injury lawyer could help explain the rules and regulations of maritime law that may apply to your case and help walk you through the legal process.
The Jones Act
Most workplaces in the State of Louisiana and around the country are governed by workers’ compensation laws. These laws generally require employers to obtain a workers’ compensation insurance policy that provides income to workers who are injured or to their family if they are killed on the job. However, one main exception to this rule is for employers that maintain a workplace on the water, with fishing boats being a prime example.
Fishing boat owners are typically never required to maintain a workers’ compensation policy. Instead, workplace injuries that happen on these vessels are often governed by the federal law known as the Jones Act. Contained in 46 U.S.C. §30104, the Jones Act states that any seaman injured in the course of their employment on a vessel may have the right to bring a lawsuit against the boat’s owner in federal or state court within three years of the injury.
Many cases alleging personal injury—even those involving a maritime injury—end with a fair settlement before trial becomes necessary. However, it should be noted that this is typically a different procedure than making a workers’ compensation claim with an insurance company.
Common Fishing Boat Accident Injuries
Fishing boats are commonly among the most dangerous places to work. Not only are these employees engaged in activities that would be dangerous on land, but they frequently must also deal with rough weather, unpredictable seas, and a constantly moving work platform. As a result, it is not uncommon for fishing boat workers to suffer injuries, including:
- Deep cuts from fishing line or hooks
- Sprained tendons or ligaments resulting from slipping on deck
- Loss of limbs from getting caught in machinery
- Deaths from drowning or sickness while on the job
Unlike claims for benefits under traditional workers’ compensation cases, there generally is no minimum loss of time at work before an injured fishing boat employee may claim damages. Even if they do not miss time at work at all, their injury could be the subject of a personal injury suit against the boat owner if it requires medical treatment. A Fourchon fishing boat accident lawyer who is well-versed in maritime law could help an injured person better understand the Jones Act and how to file a lawsuit against their employer.
How a Fishing Boat Accident Attorney in Fourchon May Help
Fishing boats are some of the most hazardous workplaces in the country, and it is not uncommon for workers in this environment to suffer severe injuries or even death during the course of their employment. The federal government recognizes the risks inherent in this profession, and as such commonly enforces regulations giving federal or state courthouses jurisdiction to hear cases alleging personal injury while working on any maritime vessel.
A Fourchon fishing boat accident lawyer could potentially represent you in such a case to demand compensation after suffering an injury while out at sea. They could work to demand compensation for not just physical injuries, but also for lost wages and emotional trauma. Call today to see how they could fight for you.