Commercial Fishing Industry Accident Claims

The commercial fishing industry is one of the most dangerous industries to work in in the UK, with more injuries and fatalities from accidents than in any other industry. Fishing vessels in particular are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the world.

The nature of the work is hazardous with workers being exposed to risks posed by environmental conditions, such as rough seas and gale-force winds, risks of falling overboard and accidents due to poorly maintained vessels. There are also many dangers relating to the equipment used on board vessels, which can often be heavy and potentially risky. We look at some of the key causes of commercial fishing accidents below.

If you have been injured when working in commercial fishing and it was not your fault, our specialist Personal Injury solicitors can help you claim compensation.

Causes of fishing incidents

In the commercial fishing industry, there is the potential for accident and injury in situations such as the following.

Lack of training on fishing equipment

Fishing vessels use equipment that can be dangerous if not used correctly. Because of the nature of fishing, the equipment used is often heavy, powerful and fast moving. Serious injuries can occur if workers are caught by machinery or struck by it.

Your employer has to ensure that any machinery is in good working order and if you operate it that you have received sufficient training. If you are injured when operating a machine and the accident could have been avoided if you had had better training, then you may have grounds for a personal injury compensation claim.

Poor working conditions

A fishing vessel is a challenging environment to work in. Your employer has to ensure you have a safe working environment and that the vessel is properly maintained to reduce the risk of any fishing trawler injury to you. If you are hurt during your fishing work due to the poor condition of your working environment, you could have grounds for a personal injury compensation claim against your employer.

Unsafe systems

Fishing employers should ensure there is a safe system in place to ensure employees are not injured. This system must also be enforced.

If you work on a fishing vessel, your employer has a duty to assess the risks of any task they want you to do and devise and implement a safe way for you to carry out that task. If they do not do this and the lack of a safe system leads to you being injured, you would be entitled to claim compensation for your work place injury.

How can Thorntons help?

At Thorntons we understand the particular dangers facing those working in the fishing industry and the specific health and safety regulations which apply to accidents at sea. We also understand the often serious nature of the injuries sustained in such accidents and will work to win you the right compensation for your injury.

You can start your claim today by calling us free on 0800 731 8434 or complete our enquiry form. We will talk through your situation, answer any questions you may have and advise you if you can make a commercial fishing accident claim. Our discussion will be confidential and you are under no obligation to make a claim. You can also take a look at our Claims Calculator to find out how much compensation you may be entitled to.