Commercial Fisherman Law

If you are a commercial fishermen working along the coast of Massachusetts and beyond, you are protected by a very specific set of laws. This includes ALL injured fishermen, including crews working foreign boats and undocumented workers in the U.S.

If you have been hurt on the job while working on a commercial fishing boat, talk to an experienced fishing law trial attorney at THE KAPLAN/BOND GROUP right away. We focus much of our practice on laws relating to commercial vessels and waterways. We are ready to handle everything about your claim, from initial investigation of the incident through negotiating a fair settlement and representing you at trial, if necessary. We are proud of the verdicts and settlements we have obtained on behalf of injured fishermen throughout Massachusetts.

A note about waivers: Signing a waiver of indemnity prior to joining a commercial fishing crew DOES NOT release the vessel owner or operator from liability in the event of negligence or careless acts. Injured fishermen are still entitled to seek damages.

Contact us to arrange a free consultation about your claim.

We represent professional fishermen and their families in litigation cases involving injuries and wrongful death claims, as well as claims about wages and lay shares.

• Dangerous and negligent piloting
• Unseaworthiness of the vessel
• Negligent supervision of crew
• Unsafe weather conditions
• Insufficient vessel maintenance

Jones Act Claims

Commercial fishermen are not covered by state workers’ compensation laws. The Jones Act was enacted in 1920 to provide for fishermen and their families who have nowhere to turn for money damages or maintenance and cure following a serious injury or death at sea. We are experienced in all areas of the Jones Act and General Maritime Law claims for Unseaworthiness and for Maintenance & Cure. Even in unusual circumstances in which you have successfully applied for workers’ compensation benefits, you are still entitled to seek additional damages under the Jones Act.

We Represent Clients to the Highest Level

Our trial attorneys have extensive experience in all areas of commercial fishing and maritime law. Our reputation for excellence serves our clients well among opposing attorneys. Our experience is virtually unsurpassed in litigation areas involving commercial use of the sea and waterways. Most recently, our representation of an injured seaman led to another major victory in the United States Supreme Court: Stewart v. Dutra Const. Co., 543 U.S. 481 (2005), which served to expand the rights of injured seamen nationwide.

Call us at (617) 261-0080 or contact us by e-mail to schedule a consultation with a trial attorney at our Boston, Massachusetts office.