Alaska commercial fishing is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous lines of work in North America. Whether casting nets for wild salmon in Bristol Bay, setting pot lines for king crab in the turbulent Bering Sea, or trawling for pollock in the Gulf of Alaska, fishermen perform demanding physical labor under extreme environmental…
Jobs that involve working on the open water are some of the most physically punishing occupations in the United States. Whether you are hauling commercial catch off the coast of Alaska, handling lines on a tugboat navigating the Columbia River, or maintaining heavy machinery on a barge in Puget Sound, your daily life is defined…
Working at sea carries inherent risks, but seamen should never have to put their lives on the line due to unsafe, defective, or poorly maintained equipment. Under general maritime law, shipowners owe an absolute, non-delegable duty to provide crew members with a seaworthy vessel. When an unseaworthy condition leads to an accident, the vessel owner…
What should an injured maritime worker do after an accident? Understanding common maritime worker mistakes and how to avoid them can make or break your ability to recover full compensation. An injured mariner must immediately report the injury to their vessel supervisor, seek independent medical evaluation from a physician of their own choosing, and consult…
A cruise departure from the Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro) or the Port of Long Beach promises an escape down the Pacific Coast or to the Mexican Riviera. However, when an unexpected incident occurs, whether a severe slip on a wet deck, an equipment breakdown, or a serious crew member injury, a vacation or…
Quick Guide: Maritime Salvage & Legal Rights Salvage Rights: Rescuers of property in “marine peril” are legally entitled to financial rewards, not just a “thank you.” Injury Claims: If you were hurt during a rescue, a maritime injury lawyer can help you file a Jones Act claim for maintenance and cure. Expertise Matters: Only…
What is a Section 905(b) claim? A Section 905(b) claim is a specific third-party personal injury lawsuit authorized under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). It allows injured harbor workers, longshoremen, and shipyard personnel to sue a vessel owner for negligence to recover full tort damages that go beyond standard statutory benefits under…
For millions of travelers, a cruise represents the ultimate escape: a floating resort designed for relaxation, exploration, and stress-free adventure. However, when negligence turns a dream vacation into a tragedy, injured passengers and grieving families are suddenly thrust into a highly specialized, confusing legal landscape. Filing a claim against a major cruise line is nothing…
The waters off Southern California are an economic engine, packed with commercial fishing trawlers, tugboats, shipping vessels, and heavy naval activity. But for the crewmembers, longshoremen, and harbor workers who keep San Diego Bay moving, the sea is as dangerous as it is productive. A single mechanical failure, rogue wave, or supervisor’s oversight can lead…
What is a Boat Accident Lawsuit? A boat accident lawsuit is a legal claim filed by an injured individual to recover financial compensation for damages, medical expenses, and lost wages resulting from negligence, reckless operation, or unseaworthiness on navigable waters. Whether you are a commercial deckhand working the rugged waters of Alaska or a recreational…
