Give Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers a phone call at (337) 777-7777 24/7 | Hablamos Español
Contact

Common Injuries on Commercial Fishing Boats

Injuries on commercial fishing vessels are unfortunately all too common in Lafayette. Some of the most common injuries include the following:

  • Traumatic head injuries from swinging pulleys and shackles
  • Crush injuries from winches and lines
  • Back injuries from pulling and pushing heavy items on board without mechanical assistance

Accident victims who suffer any of these injuries while on board a commercial fishing vessel could require long-term medical care. In some cases, they may even become permanently disabled and unable to continue working in the industry. A Lafayette commercial fishing injury attorney could review the accident and injuries and determine whether an injured worker might have a valid legal claim against his or her employer or the business owner.

Why Injuries Occur on Commercial Fishing Vessels

Injuries on commercial fishing vessels could happen for a number of different reasons. In some instances, they might occur because the boat owner fails to maintain the property in a reasonable manner, such as by failing to ensure that the boat decks remain clean and free of debris.

At other times, the owner could fail to maintain the safety equipment that workers use while they are on board, such as emergency signaling equipment and life vests. The boat owner or commercial fishing company might also overwork their employees or fail to supervise them in a reasonable manner, leading to accidents.

In any case, when workers suffer injuries because of their employer’s negligence or that of the boat owner, they might be eligible to file a claim under the Jones Act, or pursuant to some other federal or state law on the books.

A Lafayette commercial fishing injury attorney could assist with filing a claim in the proper court and pursuing compensation on behalf of the injured worker. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Available Damages in Commercial Fishing Boat Accident Cases

Commercial fishing boat workers who suffer their injuries while they are on the job could make a claim for monetary damages against their employer, the boat owner, or some other individual or entity, depending upon the circumstances of the accident.

First, victims of commercial fishing boat accidents could recover compensation for all of the medical costs and physical therapy expenses related to the injury or injuries they suffered while on board. Next, accident victims could recover compensation for the wages they lost while recovering from their accident. Finally, accident victims could make a claim for pain and suffering, representing the lost quality of life and inconvenience they suffered because of their injuries.

branded accent

Iberia Parish Commercial Fishing Injury Lawyer

Duties of Care

Commercial fishing companies and boat owners have a responsibility to take certain measures to ensure the safety of their workers. Those duties include all of the following:

  • Ensuring that all indoor and outdoor surfaces, including boat decks, are free of debris, rainwater, and other slippery substances
  • Ensuring that all emergency equipment, such as life vests, ropes, radios, and emergency signal devices are in proper working order at all times
  • Ensuring that employees are properly trained in commercial fishing operations, rather than hiring inexperienced workers
  • Ensuring that all fishing equipment, such as nets, lines, heavy pots, and cargo, are maintained properly at all times
  • Ensuring that employees do not overwork themselves and make careless mistakes as a result of fatigue

Commercial fishing injury victims often do not know where to turn after an accident. An Iberia Parish commercial finishing injury attorney could help these workers take legal action and pursue financial recovery for their bodily injuries.

Negligence in the Commercial Fishing Industry

Owners of vessels used for commercial fishing operations owe their employees a duty of care. Specifically, they must address known dangerous conditions on the vessel and be sure to maintain all machinery and equipment. When owners or employers fall short of this duty and accidents occur, they could be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

When commercial fishermen in New Parish suffer injuries on the job, they might be eligible to assert a claim for damages against their employer or the owner of the commercial fishing vessel. Compensable damages might include compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, inconvenience, pain and suffering, and mental distress.

An Iberia Parish commercial fishing injury lawyer could analyze the facts of an accident to identify the responsible parties. An accomplished Lafayette offshore accident lawyer could then gather the evidence needed to pursue a claim for compensation.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

J
Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in ...

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in making you feel heard and cared for. And, she’s, like, really pretty!

S
Sylvia Roy

New Iberia

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

T
Tracie M.

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated Toxic Water Claim. Mr. John Chaillot has been instrumental in advising me on documentation, timelines, and all matters pertaining to my case. A true professional and appreciated. Thank you.

S
Stephan C.

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly a...

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate her attention to detail and genuine care for her clients!

C
Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

Syntera was Very professional and courteous. Answered my concerns.

L
Lisa G.

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica wa...

I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. She took the time to explain each step of the process, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and made sure I always felt supported and informed.
Her dedication and attention to detail were clear throughout, and it was evident she genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome. Thanks to Erica’s hard work and expertise, my case went smoothly and successfully.
I highly recommend Erica Ducote to anyone in need of a skilled, reliable, and compassionate paralegal. She truly goes above and beyond!

m
maddie jo

Marksville

Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

R
Rhonda C.

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! She is the best, I 1000% recommend her if you have any questions!

s
skylar bachman

New Iberia

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Talk to a Lafayette Commercial Fishing Injury Attorney

If you suffered injuries while working aboard a commercial fishing vessel, you have no time to lose in seeking experienced legal counsel. Call a Lafayette commercial fishing injury lawyer today for help settling or litigating your case and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article
big rig car accident

Blog $1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months i...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Lafayette

(opens in a new tab)

1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508

 (337) 777-7777
View Lafayette View the Lafayette page to learn more about the services we offer

Alexandria

(opens in a new tab)

100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

 (318) 777-7777
View Alexandria View the Alexandria page to learn more about the services we offer

Marksville

(opens in a new tab)

306 N Washington St. Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

 (318) 310-8922
View Marksville View the Marksville page to learn more about the services we offer

New Iberia

(opens in a new tab)

230 W. Main St.
New Iberia, LA 70560

 (337) 547-2777
View New Iberia View the New Iberia page to learn more about the services we offer

Lake Charles

(opens in a new tab)

530 E. College St.
Lake Charles, LA 70605

 (337) 612-6909
View Lake Charles View the Lake Charles page to learn more about the services we offer

Baton Rouge

(opens in a new tab)

660 St. Ferdinand St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

 (225) 777-7777
View Baton Rouge View the Baton Rouge page to learn more about the services we offer

New Orleans

(opens in a new tab)

821 Baronne St. Suite D.
New Orleans, LA 70113

 (504) 777-7777
View New Orleans View the New Orleans page to learn more about the services we offer
View All Locations

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(337) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 223-9925.