Out at sea, there’s no room for error. On a longliner fishing boat, you’re working with sharp hooks, heavy equipment, unpredictable weather, and the relentless pressure of the clock. One wrong move, one careless employer, or one piece of defective equipment could cause injuries that change your life.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, our maritime injury attorneys understand the unique dangers of longlining. For decades, we’ve helped commercial fishermen nationwide fight for the compensation they need to recover. If you’ve been hurt at sea, here’s what you need to know about your rights and how maritime law can protect you.
What Makes Longliner Fishing So Dangerous?
Longlining is one of the most physically demanding and hazardous commercial fishing methods. Crews work long hours setting and hauling lines that stretch for miles and are rigged with thousands of barbed hooks.
As a longliner, you could be hurt because of:
- High hook density. With hundreds or thousands of hooks deployed at once, even a small mistake can cause catastrophic puncture wounds or deep lacerations.
- Rough sea conditions. In bad weather, boats can pitch violently, causing slips, falls, or collisions with hard surfaces or gear.
- A snapped line. Longlines are kept under extreme tension. If a line snaps, it can whip back with lethal force.
- Fatigue and long shifts. Crews often work 16-hour days or longer. Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of maritime accidents.
Of course, maritime accidents happen for many reasons, and fishermen risk injury any time an accident occurs.
What Types of Injuries Are Common on Longliner Boats?
Injuries on longliner boats may be severe. You’re working in dangerous conditions, far from emergency medical care, and often with minimal protective gear.
Possible injuries include:
- Amputations and deep lacerations. Barbed hooks, line entanglements, and winch accidents frequently cause devastating soft tissue damage.
- Spinal cord and head injuries. Slips and falls on wet decks and other accidents can result in life-altering brain and spinal cord injuries.
- Crush injuries. Crewmembers may be caught in hydraulic systems, baiting machines, or between shifting loads.
- Hypothermia or drowning. Falling overboard, especially at night when rescue may take longer or in cold waters, can cause hypothermia or drowning.
These injuries can leave you unable to work, or they may have caused your loved one’s death. If this has happened to you, it’s essential to understand your rights and work with an experienced maritime injury lawyer to take the next steps to protect your rights.
How Does Maritime Law Protect Injured Longliner Fishermen?
As a commercial fisherman, state workers’ compensation laws do not cover you. Instead, your rights fall under federal maritime laws such as the Jones Act and general maritime law. These laws offer powerful protections, but you need to act quickly.
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, your maritime injury lawyer may consider one or more of the following:
- Jones Act claim. If your injury was caused by employer negligence, such as faulty equipment, inadequate crew training, or unsafe working conditions, and other legal criteria are met you may be able to sue your employer for damages.
- Unseaworthiness claims. If the vessel itself was unsafe because of things like malfunctioning gear, slippery decks, or broken safety equipment, you may be entitled to compensation under the doctrine of unseaworthiness.
- Maintenance and cure claim. You’re entitled to living expenses and medical care until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, regardless of who was at fault.
Maritime claims involve complicated federal laws and strict deadlines. A delay or mistake could jeopardize your entire case.
When Should You Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney?
If you’ve been injured on a longliner fishing boat, you should speak with a maritime injury attorney as soon as possible, ideally before giving any statements to your employer or insurance company.
It is especially important to reach out to a maritime lawyer quickly if:
- You were seriously injured and can’t return to work.
- You’re being pressured to sign paperwork or accept a quick settlement.
- Your employer claims you were at fault.
- You’re not receiving proper medical care or maintenance payments.
An experienced maritime injury attorney will investigate the accident, collect critical evidence, and protect your rights at every stage.
