Houma Fishing Boat Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured while working on a fishing boat, you may need help from a Houma fishing boat accident lawyer. Companies have a distinct responsibility to ensure their workers are trained to safely operate their vessels, and when they do not, they should be held accountable in the event of an accident. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering. Speak with a skilled maritime injury attorney to learn more about fishing boat accidents and what steps to take after an accident occurs.
Employer Responsibilities
There is no doubt about it – working on a fishing vessel of any sort is hard work, and each day millions of individuals across the country earn their money this way. The owner of a fishing boat has a moral and legal obligation to ensure their employees have a safe environment to work in.
Unfortunately, there are still companies and owners who do not take this obligation seriously and choose to put profit over human life. When a company behaves in such a negligent manner, they should be held accountable if an accident occurs on their fishing boat.
Accidents often occur when the owner of a boat fails to maintain the vessel or the equipment on it. Some of this fishing equipment can be immensely dangerous, and the owner of the boat should take time to ensure their workers know how to use it properly. Accidents are unavoidable, but when negligence enters the picture, victims should consult a distinguished Houma fishing boat accident attorney at once.
What to Do After an Accident
When a person is injured on a commercial fishing boat, they will need to hire a fishing boat accident lawyer in Houma. After an accident, victims should take the following steps if they want to improve their chances of winning their case:
- Report the injury to the owner of the fishing boat
- Seek medical care from a physician
- Keep records of all medical exams and physician visits
- Maintain a journal of physical ailments and pain levels
- Consult an attorney
In court, photographs and other reports will be used as evidence as well, and once a person takes the steps above, they should avoid returning to work until their injuries have healed sufficiently to undertake the hard work of a fisherman. If a victim does return to work too quickly, this may impair their ability to heal properly, reinjure or aggravate their injuries and in the view of the employer and the insurance carrier provide support to diminish the fisherman’s claim for compensation.
Get in Touch With a Houma Fishing Boat Accident Attorney Today
Maritime laws can be complex and difficult to understand, and regardless of how confident an individual is in their claim, they may need help from a Houma fishing boat accident lawyer. More than likely, victims will have to face off against a variety of insurance representatives, lawyers, and other experts hired by the owner of the fishing boat.
If a victim does not have an extensive understanding of the law and courtroom procedures, they will quickly be overwhelmed and jeopardize their case. When a person is involved in a fishing boat accident, it is always wise to hire a legal representative. After a fishing boat accident, it is normal to feel angry and confused. You may not even know what to do at this point in time. This is understandable, but if you do not take legal action immediately, you may not be able to get compensation for your injury. Get in touch with a seasoned attorney to learn more.