California Fishing Accident Attorney
Working on a commercial fishing boat offers a number of rewards. While working at sea appeals to many people, there is no doubt that working on a commercial fishing boat is dangerous. In fact, according to numerous published reports, cold-water commercial fishing it is the single most dangerous job in the United States. There are numerous jobs on a commercial fishing boat, such as fish-processors, Bader Machine Operators, Boatswains ["Bosun"] Deckhands, Quality Controllers ("QC"] Mates, Pursers and Engineers. Regardless of your position, your job involves risks that are far outside the course of ordinary employment. As a result, commercial fishing injuries are all too common unfortunately.
When you have been injured, you need a lawyer and a law firm that is equipped to handle the special nature of your injury claim. At Berschler Associates, PC, we are based out of San Francisco and are able to represent injured commercial fishermen of all kinds, such as Dungeness crabbers and fishermen working along the coastal regions of California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. We also represent clients throughout the United States, including the Great Lakes, East and Gulf Coasts, and can handle injury claims taking place on all types of boats, such as:
- Factory trawlers
- Crabbers
- Long liners
- Seiners
- Draggers
- Shrimpers
If you have been injured while working on one of these vessels, you will have the right to claim compensation for your injuries. One remedy under this law is maintenance and cure. Maintenance refers to your daily costs for lodging and food. Cure involves payment for your medical expenses, including transportation to doctors, until you reach maximum medical improvement. These benefits are paid while your claim remains open.
If you can prove that your injuries were caused by your employer's negligence or by an unseaworthy condition, you will be able to obtain additional compensation under the Jones Act and/or general maritime law. Under the Jones Act, you can obtain compensation from your employer for your lost wages, future earnings losses, pain and suffering and, if applicable, future loss of earning capacity, future health care cost and vocational re-training. This sort of compensation is a one-time, lump sum payment.
If you have been injured while working on a commercial fishing boat, one of your biggest worries may be whether or not you can return to work. Working as a commercial fisherman requires stamina and strength. If your injury has the potential of keeping you away from the sea for a long period of time, it is vital that your attorney is able to prepare an accurate calculation of your potential lost wages. At Berschler Associates, PC, attorney Arnold I. Berschler and our staff have successfully represented countless injured fishermen and know exactly how to calculate all of your damages – and how to gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim.
Contact Berschler Associates, PC •
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on a commercial fishing boat, call or e-mail our San Francisco commercial fishermen injuries lawyer to set up a consultation. Arnold I. Berschler will either answer your call immediately or return your call within 24 hours. The consultation is free. In personal injury, wrongful death and/or maintenance and cure cases, we offer contingency fees (no attorneys fees upfront).
