What Type of Compensation Are Fish Processors Entitled to When They Are Injured?
Crewmen working aboard fish processing vessels are Jones Act seamen covered by Federal Maritime Law. In some instances in Alaska, fish processors may also qualify to receive Alaska Workers Compensation benefits. In most cases, an injured fish processor’s benefits under the Jones Act will be significantly more valuable than benefits under the Alaska Workers Compensation system.
Under the Jones Act and the General Maritime Law, a fish processor injured through negligence or unseaworthiness is entitled to compensatory damages. These damages may include compensation for past and future lost wages, future lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more. Under the maintenance and cure doctrine almost all injured crewmen who become injured or ill aboard ship are entitled to have all their reasonable and necessary medical bills paid. They are entitled to choose their own doctors and receive a daily living allowance - maintenance, until they have reached maximum medical improvement.
The maritime lawyers at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC are highly experienced in handling fish processor injury claims. They understand your jobs aboard a fish processing vessel. They understand your injuries, and know how those injuries will impact your earnings the rest of your life. They understand how accidents aboard ships can be prevented. Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC is committed to getting their clients full and complete compensation for their shipboard injuries.
The lawyers at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC have handled some of the most difficult Alaska fishing accident cases including the sinkings of the Aleutian Enterprise, Alaska Ranger, Katmai, Galaxy, Arctic Rose, Pace Setter, Lin J, Vestfjord, and many others. If you have questions about your rights to compensation under Federal Maritime Law, contact a lawyer at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC for a free initial consultation.