Compensation For Deckhands And Fishermen Injured In Alaska, Washington And Oregon
James Beard of Trueb Berne & Beard, LLP, is a maritime lawyer who has dedicated his career to representing injured fishermen deckhands and fish processors. He is licensed to practice law in Alaska, Washington and Oregon. Beard is recognized as one of the most experienced fishing accident lawyers in the nation. His clients are tough, hard working and not afraid of sacrifice. His clients expect the same qualities in their lawyer, and Beard delivers. He has compassion, sympathy and understanding for his injured clients. Years of experience has taught him how difficult it is to recover from serious injuries. He has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients located throughout the United States who have been seriously injured.
Beard has been representing fishermen and deckhands on all types of vessels for over 30 years. He and his partners at Trueb Berne & Beard, LLP, understand how accidents happen aboard ships, tugs, and fishing boats, and he knows how those accidents can be prevented. They understand the work that deckhands, fish processors and commercial fishermen do, and they know how serious injuries can impact his client’s ability to earn a living not only today but into the future. We are dedicated to representing injured crewman and never represent the insurance company, employer or vessel owner.
Millions In Compensation Recovered For Injured Seamen
Deckhands and commercial fishermen injured while working aboard ships, tugs, barges and fishing vessels are protected by federal maritime law and the Jones Act. Vessel owners owe their crewmen a safe place to work and a seaworthy vessel. Unfortunately, when a serious injury accident happens, a vessel owner and their insurance company immediately begin to work against the injured crewman to minimize the amount of compensation they will have to pay. An injured crewman needs an experienced maritime lawyer to protect his or her rights and to get fair compensation. By hiring a maritime lawyer experienced in the Jones Act, the injured crewman levels the playing field and prevents the insurance company from taking advantage of the crewman’s inexperience with handling a personal injury claim.
Under federal maritime law, a deckhand or commercial fisherman who is injured through negligence or unseaworthiness while working aboard the vessel is entitled to compensation for his or her injuries. This compensation may include amounts for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, future lost wage earning capacity, medical expenses, and vocational retraining expenses. There is no schedule or table to tell you what your claim is worth; the value of your claim is directly related to the skill and knowledge that your lawyer applies in arguing your case. Beard and his partners at Trueb Berne & Beard, LLP, have proven time and time again that he can get what is fair for his clients.
You Are Entitled To Benefits For Your Injuries
In almost all cases, an injured crewman is entitled to maintenance and cure benefits. These benefits include payment of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses and a daily living allowance until the crewman has reached maximum medical cure. Some employers and their insurance companies attempt to rush injured crewmen through cheap medical treatment to minimize their claims exposure. A crewman has a right to choose his or her own doctor and does not have to treat with a doctor selected by the insurance company.
A crewman should seek the help of an experienced maritime and Jones Act lawyer if they feel their employer is pushing them to return to work at a job that exceeds their physical abilities or if they feel they have not yet fully recovered from their injuries. Never sign a release for your injury claims without having your claim reviewed by an experienced Jones Act lawyer. To safely work as a deckhand or commercial fisherman requires the crewman to be physically fit. If you have suffered permanent injuries as a result of vessel negligence, you shouldn’t have to risk your life in the future so the vessel owner can avoid paying you fair compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.
Like You, We’re Tough, Hard Working And Not Afraid Of Sacrifice
Beard and his partner Lanning Trueb represent injured deckhands, commercial fishermen and fish processors on a contingency fee basis. Hiring a lawyer on a contingency fee basis means you don’t pay any fees to the lawyer until the conclusion of the case. If there is no recovery in your case, you owe the lawyer no fees. Contact Trueb Berne & Beard, LLP, for a free consultation about your claim. Call us at 425-403-1900 or fill out our online contact form today.