Steps to Take After a Commercial Fishing Accident in Alaska
Commercial fishing is one of the most important industries in Alaska—and also one of the most dangerous. Each year, crew members face tough conditions, rough seas, heavy equipment, unpredictable weather, and long hours on the water. When an accident happens, injuries can be serious and life-changing. Knowing the right steps to take after a commercial fishing accident can make a major difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to receive fair compensation.
Whether you were working on a crab boat in the Bering Sea, a salmon seiner in Southeast Alaska, or a longliner in the Gulf of Alaska, the actions you take immediately after an accident matter. With help from Chicklo Law Group, many injured fishermen learn how to navigate the complex laws that protect maritime workers.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
After any accident at sea, your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should still report them and seek medical care as soon as possible. Many common commercial fishing injuries—like back injuries, concussions, crush injuries, and hypothermia—can worsen quickly if untreated.
If you are still on the vessel:
Get first aid from the captain or designated crew member.
Make sure the injury is logged in the ship’s records.
Request evacuation if your condition requires more advanced care.
When you return to shore, get examined by a medical professional immediately. Documentation from a doctor is essential for any future claim.
Report the Injury to Your Captain or Employer
Every commercial fisherman should report injuries immediately, no matter how small they may seem. Waiting too long can give the insurance company an excuse to deny or reduce your claim. Make sure the report is written down and recorded accurately. If something is incorrect or missing, speak up and request fixes.
Reporting the injury not only protects your legal rights—it also helps prevent future accidents by making sure safety issues are addressed.
Document Everything
Evidence plays a major role in maritime injury claims. The more information you gather, the easier it is to prove what happened and who is responsible.
Try to collect the following:
Photos of your injury
Photos or videos of the equipment or area involved
Names and statements from witnesses
Logbook entries
Dates, times, and weather conditions
Medical records
Any communication with your employer or insurance company
If you are unable to gather this information due to your injury, ask a trusted crew member or family member to help. An attorney can also assist with gathering additional records.
Understand Your Rights Under Maritime Law
In most cases, commercial fishermen are protected by federal maritime laws—not state workers’ compensation laws. This means you may have several different legal options depending on how your injury happened.
Maintenance and Cure
Almost all injured seamen are entitled to:
Maintenance: daily living expenses while you recover
Cure: medical treatment needed to reach maximum recovery
These benefits must be provided regardless of fault.
Jones Act Claims
If your injury was caused by negligence—such as unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, lack of training, or careless crew—you may be able to file a Jones Act claim. This allows you to pursue compensation for:
Pain and suffering
Lost future wages
Medical expenses
Disability
Reduced earning ability
Unseaworthiness Claims
Vessel owners are required to keep their boats reasonably safe and seaworthy. If an unsafe condition on the vessel contributed to your injury, you may have a claim against the owner.
Because these laws can be confusing, many injured workers turn to Chicklo Law Group to help identify which type of claim fits their situation and how to pursue it effectively.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements Without Legal Guidance
After an accident, you may be contacted by an insurance company, a vessel owner, or their attorney. They may ask for a recorded statement. While this may seem harmless, these statements can be used against you later.
Do not:
Admit fault
Make guesses about what happened
Downplay your injuries
Agree to a statement before speaking to a lawyer
A maritime injury attorney can protect you from tactics designed to limit your compensation.
Keep Track of Your Recovery
Your medical progress plays a major role in your case. Follow all doctor instructions, attend appointments, and keep notes about your symptoms, pain levels, and physical limitations. This information helps show how the injury has affected your life and your ability to return to work.
Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney
Maritime laws are complex, and commercial fishing companies often have strong legal teams on their side. Having an experienced attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that you pursue every form of compensation available to you.
Chicklo Law Group helps injured fishermen understand their options, deal with insurance companies, collect evidence, and fight for the compensation they deserve after a commercial fishing accident. You don’t have to face the process alone.
