In Maritime Personal Injury Cases
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE IN THE SAME BOAT
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE IN THE SAME BOAT
Bering Sea Commercial Fishing Injury Lawyer
Protecting Fishermen Injured in the World’s Harshest Waters
The Bering Sea is one of the most dangerous fisheries on the planet. Every season, thousands of fishermen head out on crab boats, trawlers, and longliners to harvest crab, cod, pollock, and other species in unforgiving conditions. With rough seas, freezing spray, and long hours, accidents at sea are common—and when they happen, the injuries are often severe or even fatal.
At Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, we have decades of experience representing injured fishermen and their families. Our Seattle-based maritime lawyers understand the hazards of commercial fishing in the Bering Sea and know how to hold employers, vessel owners, and insurance companies accountable under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
If you or a loved one was hurt while fishing the Bering Sea, we are here to fight for you.
The Dangers of Bering Sea Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing in the Bering Sea is among the deadliest jobs in the world. According to the U.S. Coast Guard and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), the fatality rate for commercial fishermen in Alaska is dozens of times higher than the average for U.S. workers.
Some of the leading dangers include:
- Severe Weather & Icy Conditions – High winds, freezing spray, and icy decks increase the risk of slips, falls, and man-overboard incidents.
- Heavy Machinery – Winches, capstans, cranes, and hydraulic equipment can cause crush injuries, amputations, and fatalities if not properly guarded and maintained.
- Fatigue & Long Hours – Fishermen often work 18–20 hours per day, leading to exhaustion and mistakes that cause accidents.
- Remote Location – The Bering Sea is far from medical help, meaning even minor injuries can become life-threatening before evacuation.
When companies fail to provide safe equipment, proper training, or adequate crew, they can be held responsible for the injuries and deaths that occur at sea.
Your Rights Under the Jones Act and Maritime Law
If you are classified as a seaman, you have powerful rights under the Jones Act and general maritime law. Unlike land-based workers, fishermen are not limited by state laws—they are protected by federal maritime law, which provides significant remedies.
You may be entitled to:
- Lost Wages & Future Earnings – Compensation for the time you cannot work and the impact on your future career.
- Medical Costs – Payment for all medical treatment related to your injury, including future care.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional toll of your injury.
- Maintenance & Cure – Daily living expenses and medical care until you reach maximum medical improvement.
- Unseaworthiness Claims – If the vessel was not reasonably fit for its intended use, you may recover additional damages.
The attorneys at Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC have decades of experience litigating these claims and securing significant recoveries for injured fishermen and their families.
Common Bering Sea Fishing Injuries
Over the years, we have represented fishermen who suffered serious and life-changing injuries, including:
- Crush injuries & amputations from winches, capstans, and heavy gear
- Spinal cord injuries and back injuries from lifting or falling on icy decks
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from falling objects or slips and falls
- Hypothermia and frostbite from exposure to extreme cold and water
- Drowning and wrongful death from man-overboard incidents or vessel sinkings
These injuries often require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, or result in permanent disability.
Why Hire Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC?
Fishing companies and their insurers often move quickly after an accident—sometimes pressuring injured crew members to give statements, sign away rights, or accept unfair settlements. Without an experienced maritime lawyer, you may not receive the full compensation you deserve.
At Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, we:
- Have decades of maritime injury experience
- Understand the unique dangers of Bering Sea fishing
- Have a proven record of recovering millions for injured fishermen and their families
- Take cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win
Local Representation for Fishermen in Alaska & the Pacific Northwest
Our law firm is based in Seattle, Washington, and proudly represents crew members injured while fishing out of:
- Dutch Harbor, Alaska
- Kodiak, Alaska
- Seattle, Washington
- Astoria, Oregon
Whether you live in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, or elsewhere, Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC can help you pursue your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am injured on a fishing vessel in the Bering Sea?
Report the injury to the captain, seek medical attention, and contact an experienced maritime injury lawyer before speaking with the company or its insurers.
Can I be fired for filing a Jones Act claim?
No. The law prohibits retaliation against seamen who assert their rights. If your employer tries to fire or punish you for pursuing a claim, you may have additional legal remedies.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Under the Jones Act, most claims must be filed within three years of the injury. However, it is best to act as soon as possible to preserve evidence and witness testimony.
Do I need to live in Alaska to file a claim?
No. Fishermen from across the U.S. and internationally work in the Bering Sea. Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC represents crew members regardless of their home state or country.
Contact a Bering Sea Commercial Fishing Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured while fishing the Bering Sea, you don’t have to face the company and its insurers alone. The lawyers at Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC will fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Call Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC at [Phone Number] for a free, confidential consultation. Or www.marineinjurylaw.com to speak with a maritime injury attorney today.
We represent fishermen on a no recovery, no fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win your case.