Leader Creek Fisheries

Situated in Southwest Alaska, Bristol Bay remains one of the most densely populated salmon ecosystems in North America. Each year 38 million sockeye salmon populate these waters, giving Bristol Bay the nickname “America’s Fish Basket”. This is such a dense population that if these fish were to be lined up from head to tail, they would extend across the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Australia and back again. With such a profitable and magnificent area, many workers take to the water in search of the great quantities of fish.

Over the years many fishermen have worked in these waters in pursuit of the bountiful sockeye salmon, but one of the most tenacious is Leader Creek Fisheries. Not only do they send workers and fishermen to sea, but they also operate a packing plant amassing around 400 employees during the harvest season. They strive to harvest great quantities of the widely popular salmon and provide customers with some of the most beautiful wild salmon fillets in the world. These fishermen brave the elements working long hours in the harsh waters of Alaska and the frigid temperatures to bring healthful seafood to tables all over the world.

Comparatively, Leader Creek is a smaller operation, which is just how the company likes it. Fishermen, crewmembers, and processors sign on in Seattle and end up in Alaska working on the waters of Bristol Bay. The company owns several fishing vessels including SELMA LEE, SEA KING, and MARION RUTH.

Even on the most careful and innovative of vessels there is risk of injury. Bristol Bay is known as one of the most dangerous regions for fishing vessels due to the extreme navigational challenges. There are many hazards to those working at sea such as inclement weather, shoals, negligence, unseaworthiness, inadequate training of crewmembers, and frequent shallows. Those who are injured at sea are protected under the Jones Act. This includes compensation for loss of future work, maintenance and cure, medical expenses, and more.

If you have been injured due to negligence, unseaworthiness, or inadequate training for your work from the employer, hiring a maritime lawyer is imperative. Maritime laws differ from standard labor laws and is considered a complex area of expertise. A maritime attorney will help work through the process of filing a claim, understand and explain maritime laws and the rights of workers, and offer assistance to make sure you get the benefits and help needed.

The lawyers at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC understand these injuries and how they occur. They understand how these injuries could have been avoided and what precautions could have been taken to prevent the injury. All clients are treated with respect and understanding as they navigate their injury claim. The lawyers at Stacey and Jacobsen, PLLC have represented thousands of Jones Act seamen, fishermen, and crewmembers all over the country working in various maritime fields.

Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC is committed to getting you the settlement you deserve and will assist you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been injured at sea, contact a maritime lawyer at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC for a free initial consultation.