How Do Commercial Fishing Accidents Happen?
Commercial fishing boats have many hazards that can cause serious accidents resulting in some of the most serious injuries. Due to the great dangers, successes are often highly rewarded, which is why the industry is attractive to fishermen. When proper safety measures are implemented and fishermen are adequately trained, many of the dangers can be avoided. When companies do not provide these safety measures, serious accidents can occur. The most common of these are as follows:
- Falls through hatches left open
- Slip and falls, typically from poorly maintained or slippery decks, ladders, and gangways
- Severing or crushing of legs, arms, or fingers by improperly secured portholes, cargo, hatches, and other equipment
- Winch or crane failure
- Limbs that become caught in rigging, machinery, or netting
- Line handling
- Falling overboard due to conditions being too dangerous to work in, or missing or broken safety guards
Commercial Fishing Accidents and Wrongful Death
A number of studies have established just how dangerous commercial fishing is for workers. Sometimes, fishermen are involved in accidents so severe that they do not survive the incident. From the years 2000 – 2017, the fatality rate among commercial fishermen was 114 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. Compare this to a fatality rate of 4 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers for all United States workers, and it is easy to see just how much more dangerous commercial fishing is.
If you have lost a loved one to a commercial fishing accident, you can collect wrongful death damages under maritime law such as the High Seas Act or the Jones Act. A San Francisco commercial fishing accident lawyer can advise on the full damages your family deserves, such as funeral and burial expenses.
Damages Available for Injured Commercial Fishermen
If you have been involved in a commercial fishing accident, you deserve damages for any loss you suffered. The most common damages awarded in these cases are as follows:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced capacity to work
- Pain and suffering
- Maintenance and cure
Our Commercial Fishing Accident Lawyer in San Francisco Knows Maritime Law
Commercial fishing accidents are typically governed by maritime law, a legal area not many people, and even attorneys, are not always familiar with. At Venardi Zurada, our San Francisco commercial fishing accident lawyer knows maritime law and can advise on how it applies to your case while helping you claim full and fair damages. Call us now at (833) 893-6763 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney.
