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Tens of thousands of fish processors in the U.S. work aboard vessels processing seafood that is sold frozen, canned or fresh. These factory-processing vessels include freezer trawlers, long liners, stern trawlers, purse seiners and barges. Workers on fish processors on water floating factories include mates, fish masters, masters, fishery observers, engineers, technicians, freezer workers, factory foremen, packers, seafood quality controllers, deck hands, deck bosses, stewards and crewmembers. The totality of the number of crew and workers on board increases the potential risk of accidents with injuries.The working conditions of fish processing vessels typically correlate to the health and well-being of all on board. Vessels that are not properly maintained or missing necessary safety equipment can quickly create serious scenarios when the boat becomes unseaworthy. In addition, because fishing seasons are short, fish processors and other crewmembers are forced to work long hours with insufficient rest. This often results in worker fatigue leading to physical and mental exhaustion, diminished concentration, reduced alertness and slower reaction time.
Injuries at Sea Sustained During Fish Processing
Fish processors are often susceptible to work related problems that can quickly lead to an accident on board. Common injuries that occur at sea for numerous reasons including:
- Unsafe or slippery walking surface
- Built-up ice on the vessel’s deck and railing
- Improper supervision
- Biological and environmental hazards
- Vessel operators that lacks sufficient safety training
- Failure to mitigate exposure to chemicals and toxins
- Defective or unsafe equipment
- Repetitive motion issues, back problems and other injuries directly related to a lack of ergonomic equipment
- Broken or defective lifting straps
- Improperly secured cargo
- Exposure to vibration and noise
- Malfunctioning processing equipment
- Working in a confined space
- Inadequate crewmembers to complete a task
The U.S. Department of Labor indicates that the vast majority of factory ship accidents occur on the fishing and factory decks. Most accidents that produce catastrophic injuries or death could have been easily prevented had the crew acted more responsibly. In fact, most accidents at sea are the result of negligence when workers step on objects, slip and fall, carry or lift objects, mishandle machinery or equipment, or when struck by an object. Common fish processing injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and head trauma
- Frostbite
- Back injury
- Fish spine puncture wound
- Broken bones and fractures
- Chemical burns
- Exposure to fire, heat or explosion
- Hearing loss
- Crushed arms and hands
- Amputated fingers or lost limbs
- Shoulder and neck injury
- Exposure to toxins
- Lacerations, stab wounds and cuts
- Wrongful death
In many incidences, the injuries are catastrophic and life altering to the victim. When it can be proven the negligence is at fault, the victim might be entitled to additional compensation over and above payment for their medical expenses and lost wages. The amount of recompense will typically depend on the seriousness of the victim’s injuries.
Economic Damages Available to Workers Injured During Fish Processing
The United States federal government enacted the Jones Act as a way to provide compensation to injured fishermen, crewmembers, fish processors and others working at sea. Much like traditional workers’ compensation, the benefits provided through the Jones Act help pay for medical expenses and lost wages from time away from work while healing. However, the benefits are limited and are often not adequate to provide enough recompense for all injuries endured by the victim.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are successful maritime injury attorneys accepting cases involving fish processing injuries. Through our legal representation, we provide adequate maintenance and cure. We fight aggressively for additional compensation from employers, vessel owners, crewmembers, third parties and others at fault for the accident. Through our years of experience, we can build a solid case for recompense to pay for various expenses including:
- Hospitalization and medical costs
- Rehabilitation, vocational retraining and physical therapy expenses
- Lost earnings
- Compensation for diminished earning capacity
- Permanent or temporary disability
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Intangible damages including pain, suffering, grief and mental anguish
If you have suffered injuries, or a loved one has been killed, in a factory processing vessel accident, contact our legal team at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free, initial consultation. We accept fish processing injury cases on contingency to eliminate any upfront legal fees. We provide our years of negotiation skills to settle your claim out-of-court or serve as your legal representative to take your case to trial.
