The Mid-Atlantic Bottom Trawl Fishery operates year-round from the North Carolina-South Carolina border north to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Commercial fishermen work long hours with heavy machinery in unpredictable weather to haul in squid, shrimp, menhaden, sea bass, scup, fluke, flounder, and other fish.
Every trip out to sea carries a significant risk. Even experienced crew members can find themselves facing injury, lost income, or long-term physical pain after an accident or equipment failure.
For decades, the experienced maritime injury lawyers at Hofmann & Schweitzer have represented fishermen throughout the Northeast, helping them recover compensation and rebuild their lives after serious maritime accidents. If you or someone you love works on a trawler or dragger, we encourage you to understand the risks and contact us for personalized advice if an accident occurs.
What Makes Commercial Trawler Work So Dangerous?
Commercial trawling demands intense physical labor and constant awareness. Vessels often operate in harsh offshore environments where wind, waves, and equipment create unpredictable hazards. Some of the most common dangers include:
- Heavy equipment. Trawl winches, cables, and nets are powerful tools, but can cause devastating crush injuries or amputations if equipment malfunctions or snags unexpectedly.
- Slippery decks and poor visibility. Rain, ice, and sea spray make decks slick, increasing the risk of falls that can result in fractures, drownings, and other injuries.
- Fatigue and long hours. Crews often work long hours, which can lead to exhaustion and slower reaction times.
- Unsecured gear and shifting loads. Sudden vessel movements can cause heavy equipment or fish boxes to slide, endangering the crew below deck or near the stern.
In the Mid-Atlantic Bottom Trawl Fishery, the variety of species caught also means variable depths, gear types, and trawl configurations, each bringing its own set of risks. Shrimp and squid trawlers, for instance, often deploy and haul their gear repeatedly throughout the day, which increases fatigue and exposure to machinery accidents.
Why Do Commercial Trawler Accidents Happen?
Commercial trawler accidents may be caused by a single incident or a combination of factors that develop over time. Some of the leading causes of trawler accidents and injuries include:
- Poor maintenance. Rusted cables, faulty hydraulics, and worn safety gear are common contributors to maritime injuries.
- Inadequate training. New or seasonal crew members may not fully understand safe operating procedures for winches, nets, or deck machinery.
- Unsafe weather. Choosing to fish in rough seas or high winds increases the likelihood of falls overboard and vessel instability.
- Pressure to maximize catches. Financial strain and tight quotas can push crews to work longer hours or ignore safety rules.
When safety protocols are skipped to save time or money, the consequences can be life-altering. Severe injuries may include crushed limbs, broken bones, burns, spinal injuries, or even fatalities at sea.
What Should You Do If You Are Hurt on a Commercial Trawler?
If you suffer an injury while working on a trawler, taking the proper steps early can make a significant difference in your recovery and legal rights. While every case is different, you may:
- Report the injury immediately
- Seek medical treatment
- Preserve evidence
- Contact a maritime injury lawyer
You don’t have to face the consequences of a trawler accident alone. Legal help is available.
Why Experience Matters in Maritime Injury Cases
Maritime law is a specialized area of federal law that provides unique protections to dragger fishermen, other seamen, and offshore workers. These cases differ from land-based workers' compensation claims. An experienced maritime injury lawyer can help determine:
- Who is liable. Employers, vessel owners, or equipment manufacturers may all share responsibility for unsafe conditions.
- What benefits apply. Injured trawler workers may qualify for maintenance and cure, unseaworthiness claims, or Jones Act negligence compensation.
- How to maximize recovery. Skilled attorneys ensure that settlement offers reflect the full impact of your medical costs, lost wages, and long-term effects.
By working with a firm that understands the fishing industry, injured trawler crew members gain an advocate who is familiar with both the dangers of the work and the laws that protect them.
