We Help Newport, Oregon, Fishermen Recover
Injured commercial fishermen working for vessels owned and operated out of Newport, Oregon, are entitled to compensatory damages under federal maritime law. Maritime lawyer James Beard is one of the Northwest’s most experienced maritime injury and wrongful death lawyers. Over his 30-year career, Beard has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients injured in Oregon, Washington and Alaska.
If you have questions about your rights to compensation for your injuries working as a crewman aboard a Newport commercial fishing vessel, contact Mr. Beard and his team at Trueb Berne & Beard, LLP, for a free initial consultation at 425-403-1900. Never trust a marine insurance company to treat you fairly. Learn about your rights under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
Injury And Wrongful Death Claims for Newport, Oregon, Commercial Fishermen
Newport is the West Coast’s most productive commercial fishing port with 124 million pounds of catch landed in 2014, ranking Newport as the 11th highest producing commercial fishing port in the United States. Westport, Washington, was close behind Newport with 100 million pounds of catch landed, ranking Westport as the 13th highest producing commercial port in the country. Vessels working out of Newport fish for a wide spectrum of fish and shellfish, including Dungeness crab, salmon, tuna, Pacific Whiting, shrimp, ground and flat fish, and sardines. The physical demands of working on these fishing vessels create the high risk of injury to deckhands who can work year-round in high winds and rough seas.
The Oregon and Washington Dungeness crab fishery is one of the few derby-style commercial fisheries. The dash for the cash can lead some owners and vessel captains to put profits over crewman safety. Having a few extra pots on board, continuing to work in weather too rough, or ignoring warning signs of needed repairs can lead to tragic injuries or death. Attorney Beard knows about fishing vessel safety; he has represented the estates of over 30 crewmen who have suffered wrongful deaths, and he has represented hundreds of seriously injured commercial fishermen.
Millions In Compensation Recovered Under Federal Maritime Law
If you have been injured working as a crewman on an Oregon-based commercial fishing vessel, your rights to compensation are governed by a complex system of federal maritime laws. In almost all cases, you have the right to have your medical bills paid. When injured, you may be entitled to your full season contract. Your employer should also provide you with a daily living allowance while you are recovering from your injuries.
Your working career and life depend upon the safety of your vessel, and the skill of your captain and crew. A moment’s negligence can cause of a lifetime of pain and suffering. When a crewman on a commercial fishing boat is injured through negligence or unseaworthiness, the crewman is entitled to monetary compensation under the Jones Act and the general maritime law. To recover damages under the Jones Act, you must show that the employer was negligent; however, the amount of negligence necessary to prove fault is minimal. Your employer owes you a safe place to work, and a duty to provide you with a competent captain and crew. No amount of fish is worth a crewman’s life or the suffering caused by a permanent injury. The captain of a commercial fishing vessel should put the safety of his crew first. Each fishing vessel must be properly maintained and repaired. All vessels should have proper alarms, lifesaving equipment, and emergency communication equipment in good repair.
We Know The Industry And The Law
Don’t guess about your legal rights. Don’t sign a settlement agreement without consulting with an experienced maritime injury lawyer.
Mr. Beard and his team at Trueb Berne & Beard, LLP, represent injured crewmen on a contingency fee basis. There are no fees unless they win your case; if there is no recovery, you are charged no fees. Contact us online or call today to discuss your potential injury claim at 425-403-1900.