Alaska Commercial Fishing Injury Lawyers

Serving Alaska's fishing families · Free consultation · Contingency fee — no fee unless we win

Quick answer

Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country — with a work-related fatality rate over 40 times the national average (NIOSH, 2019) — and Alaska accounts for a large share of U.S. fishing deaths (236 of 878, or about 27%, from 2000–2019). If you were injured on a fishing vessel, you are likely a "seaman" protected by the Jones Act and general maritime law, not ordinary workers' compensation. That usually means stronger rights, including maintenance and cure (paid regardless of fault) and a negligence claim against your employer. Choate Law Firm has represented injured Alaskans since 1980, from our Juneau office on the working waterfront. Consultations are free and we are paid only if we recover for you. Call (907) 586-4490.

Your rights as a fishing crew member

Deckhands, processors, engineers, and other crew are typically "seamen," which gives them protections ordinary employees do not have. Under the Jones Act, you can sue your employer for negligence; you are owed maintenance and cure (daily living expenses and medical care) regardless of fault; and you may have an unseaworthiness claim against the vessel owner for unsafe equipment, an inadequate crew, or unsafe procedures. These federal remedies are usually far more valuable than workers' compensation. See our maritime & Jones Act page for detail.

Why Alaska fishing cases demand experienced counsel

Cold water, heavy gear, long hours, remote grounds, and severe weather make fishing injuries both more likely and more serious. Maritime claims also follow different rules and deadlines than land injuries — for example, a longer (generally three-year) federal deadline — so it is important to work with a firm that knows both maritime law and Alaska's fishing industry.

Damages and cost

A seaman may recover maintenance and cure, lost wages and earning capacity, medical costs, and pain and suffering; a vessel owner may also be liable for an unseaworthy condition. We work on a contingency fee — no fee unless we recover for you.

Frequently asked questions

Am I covered by the Jones Act or workers' comp? Most fishing crew are "seamen" covered by the Jones Act, which is usually stronger than workers' compensation. We can confirm your status.

What is maintenance and cure? Daily living expenses and medical care your employer must pay while you recover — regardless of fault.

How long do I have to file? Maritime claims generally have a three-year deadline, but do not wait — some claims are shorter.

What does it cost? Nothing up front — contingency fee.

Sources

NIOSH — commercial fishing safety (fatality rate): https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fishing/about/index.html
NIOSH — commercial fishing regional data (Alaska share): https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fishing/data-research/regional-summaries/index.html
Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. § 30104: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/30104

Disclaimer

This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Attorneys at Choate Law Firm LLC are licensed in Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Washington (specific jurisdiction varies by attorney).