Rough waters. Long shifts. Heavy equipment. Commercial trawlers are among the most dangerous workplaces in the world. Whether you slipped on a wet deck, got struck by a winch cable, or suffered a back injury from repetitive hauling, your pain is real.
But here’s the truth your employer might not tell you: federal maritime law gives you powerful rights after an on-the-job injury. And you don’t have to fight alone. Maritime injury attorneys like those at Hofmann & Schweitzer help injured workers get the care and compensation they deserve.
What You Can Do After a Trawler Injury
In the chaos after an onboard accident, it’s easy to freeze, downplay your pain, or rely on your employer to “handle it.” But every decision you make in the first hours and days can impact your recovery and your ability to claim compensation later. Here’s what every injured trawler worker needs to do.
Step 1: Report the Incident Immediately
Tell your captain or supervisor that you were injured, even if the pain seems minor at first. Ask for the incident to be officially documented in the vessel’s log or injury report system. If they refuse or try to delay, make your own written note of the date, time, location, and witnesses.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Don’t “tough it out” or wait until the boat docks. If onboard medical aid is available, use it. As soon as you're ashore, get a complete medical evaluation—even if the injury feels manageable.
Your employer doesn’t get to choose your doctor. You have the right to seek treatment from a physician you trust.
Tell your provider that this was a work-related injury, so it’s documented appropriately in your records.
Step 3: Take Photos and Preserve Evidence
If possible, take pictures of:
- The area where the injury occurred
- Equipment or conditions that may have caused the accident
- Any visible injuries
Preserve clothing, boots, or gear damaged in the incident. These items can be crucial evidence in proving negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Step 4: Identify Witnesses
Write down the names and contact information of any crewmembers who saw the accident or know about unsafe practices aboard the vessel. Witness testimony can be crucial in verifying your account, especially if the employer tries to dispute your claim later.
Step 5: Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
You may be asked to sign an incident report, release of liability, or statement for the company’s insurance carrier. These documents can be used to limit or deny your claim.
Before signing anything, talk to a maritime injury attorney who understands trawler worker cases. Legal advice early on can prevent costly mistakes and protect your rights under the Jones Act.
Step 6: Start a Written Injury Journal
Document your recovery journey. Note every doctor’s visit, medication, physical limitation, and emotional impact. Include any days you missed work or had to reduce your duties. This journal can serve as powerful proof of how the injury disrupted your life and support your case for full compensation.
Legal Protections for Trawlermen
Trawler crews are covered under a different set of laws than most land-based employees. If you’re a “seaman” injured in the service of a vessel, the Jones Act and general maritime law offer key protections, including:
- Maintenance and cure. You’re entitled to daily living expenses (“maintenance”) and full medical treatment (“cure”) until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, no matter who was at fault.
- Right to sue for negligence. If your employer’s carelessness, unsafe equipment, or improper training caused your injury, the Jones Act lets you sue for lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Unseaworthiness claims. If the vessel was unsafe or improperly equipped, you may have an additional claim under the general maritime doctrine of unseaworthiness.
Your maritime lawyer can help you pursue the right claims.
How a Maritime Injury Lawyer May Help
Commercial fishing companies often have lawyers and insurance adjusters working to protect their bottom line, not your future. A maritime injury attorney levels the playing field by:
- Investigating the incident thoroughly. Your lawyer can preserve evidence, document the vessel's conditions, and locate witnesses.
- Proving employer negligence or unseaworthiness. Your lawyer can build a strong case based on federal maritime standards.
- Handling all communications. This allows you to avoid the risk of saying something that hurts your claim.
- Maximizing your compensation. You deserve full compensation for injuries. Your lawyer will fight to make sure that every available benefit is pursued, from maintenance and cure to full damages under the Jones Act.
You’ve worked hard in one of the world’s toughest jobs. If you’ve been hurt, you deserve more than just a pat on the back or a short paycheck. You deserve full legal protection.
