Falls From Ladders on Alaska Fishing Boats

Commercial fishing in Alaska is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Among the many hazards faced by fishermen, one serious but often overlooked risk involves falls from ladders. Whether moving between decks, entering the fish hold, or accessing upper structures of the vessel, crew members regularly use ladders in wet, icy, and unstable conditions. A fall from even a short height can cause devastating injuries, including fractures, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and in some cases, death.

When these accidents occur, injured fishermen may have the right to seek compensation under the Jones Act and general maritime law. These powerful legal protections are specifically designed to help seamen recover damages for injuries that result from employer negligence or unseaworthy vessel conditions.

Common Causes of Ladder Falls at Sea

Falls from ladders aboard fishing vessels are typically the result of preventable hazards. These may include:

• Wet or icy rungs due to ocean spray, weather, or poor drainage
• Unsecured or corroded ladders that shift or collapse under weight
• Improperly designed ladders lacking handrails, slip-resistant surfaces, or consistent rung spacing
• Fatigue or rough seas, which compromise balance and awareness
• Lack of maintenance, safety checks, or hazard warnings

These issues can be exacerbated by long hours, limited lighting, and physically demanding work conditions common aboard fishing vessels in Alaskan waters.

Rights of Injured Fishermen Under the Jones Act

The Jones Act, a federal law enacted in 1920, provides seamen with a cause of action against their employer for injuries caused by negligence. To qualify for protection under the Jones Act, a worker must be considered a “seaman,” which typically includes any crew member who contributes to the mission of a vessel and spends a significant amount of time aboard.

Under the Jones Act, an injured seaman can recover damages if the employer, a supervisor, or another crew member acted negligently—and that negligence played any part, however small, in causing the injury. This is a relatively low burden of proof compared to standard negligence claims.

Examples of employer negligence that can lead to ladder falls include:

• Failing to repair or replace damaged ladders
• Not enforcing safety protocols for ladder use
• Allowing ladders to be used in unsafe weather conditions
• Inadequate training or supervision of crew members

Damages Available Under the Jones Act

In a successful Jones Act claim, a seaman may recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress

Unseaworthiness Claims Under General Maritime Law

In addition to the Jones Act, seamen have the right to bring a claim for unseaworthiness under general maritime law. A vessel is considered unseaworthy when it is not reasonably fit for its intended purpose or when its equipment, crew, or working conditions create an unsafe environment.

Unlike a Jones Act claim, an unseaworthiness claim does not require a showing of negligence. Instead, the injured seaman must demonstrate that a condition of the vessel—such as a defective ladder or an unsafe deck configuration—contributed to the injury.

This provides a powerful avenue for recovery when injuries result from dangerous vessel conditions that might not necessarily stem from the employer’s negligent conduct.

Maintenance and Cure

Regardless of fault, injured seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure under general maritime law. This no-fault doctrine requires the employer to:

• Maintenance: Pay for a seaman’s daily living expenses while recovering from injury
• Cure: Cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment until the seaman reaches maximum medical improvement

Employers are obligated to begin these payments promptly after an injury is reported. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including additional damages for willful refusal to pay.

Alaska Fishermen’s Fund

In addition to federal maritime remedies, injured fishermen working in Alaska may be eligible to apply for benefits from the Alaska Fishermen’s Fund, a state program that provides medical and limited financial assistance to licensed fishermen who are injured while working in Alaska waters.

While this fund cannot replace the damages recoverable under the Jones Act or general maritime law, it can be a helpful secondary resource—particularly if there are delays or disputes with the employer or their insurance carrier.

Steps to Take After a Ladder Fall Injury

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall from a ladder on a commercial fishing vessel, taking the right steps early is critical. These include:

1. Report the incident immediately to the vessel’s captain or supervisor.
2. Seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor.
3. Document the conditions that caused the fall—take photos of the ladder, weather conditions, and deck surface if possible.
4. Obtain witness statements from other crew members.
5. Avoid signing statements or waivers before speaking to an attorney.
6. Consult a maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Time limits apply to maritime injury claims. Generally, seamen have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act or general maritime law.

What to Expect in a Maritime Injury Claim

The legal process for recovering compensation after a maritime injury may include:

• Filing a claim against your employer for negligence under the Jones Act
• Filing a claim for unseaworthiness against the vessel owner
• Receiving maintenance and cure payments during recovery
• Negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial if a fair resolution cannot be reached

Your attorney will work to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf. Many cases settle before trial, but having a lawyer prepared to litigate is often key to obtaining full and fair compensation.

Conclusion

Falls from ladders aboard commercial fishing boats in Alaska can have life-altering consequences. The combination of harsh weather, dangerous vessel conditions, and long hours at sea creates a high risk for serious injury. Fortunately, the law provides strong protections for injured seamen.

Under the Jones Act, injured fishermen can hold employers accountable for negligence. Under general maritime law, they can bring claims for unseaworthiness and receive maintenance and cure benefits during recovery. Additionally, Alaska-based fishermen may receive assistance from the Alaska Fishermen’s Fund.

If you’ve been injured in a fall on a fishing vessel, don’t delay. Your ability to recover full compensation depends on taking prompt action, preserving evidence, and seeking experienced legal representation. The law is on your side—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.  Contact one of our experienced maritime injury lawyers today for a free consultation. 

This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a maritime attorney for advice specific to your situation.