If you were recently injured as a fishing boat crew member in the waters off our great Bayou State, you probably have several questions about what steps you can take to help your situation.
Federal maritime law has some protections to help you recover physically and financially from your injury so you can get back to doing what you love.
Can I get compensation if I am injured while working on a fishing boat?
While workers’ compensation laws do not apply to you as a fishing boat crew member, you may still recover compensation through the Jones Act if you spend at least 30% of your working hours out on the open water. This act allows you to seek compensation for your fishing boat injury through a civil suit against your employer. If negligent actions by your employer or another crew member led to your injury, you may have a strong case for compensation through the Jones Act.
What should I do after my injury?
After sustaining an injury on a fishing boat, you should report the injury to your captain or immediate supervisor as soon as you can safely do so. Seek medical care to address your injury and then take thorough notes of how it happened to look back on later if you choose to file a Jones Act claim. Maritime laws can be tricky to navigate, so you should seek knowledgeable advice to help you avoid difficult surprises.
Federal protection through the Jones Act may help you obtain compensation after a fishing boat injury. If you want to get back to doing what you love, keep the Jones Act in mind.
