NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE IN THE SAME BOAT
Glacier Fish Company Maritime Claims
Founded in 1982, Glacier Fish Company is a leader in the Bering Sea pollock and Pacific West Coast whiting fisheries. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington and currently includes a fleet of three Alaskan factory trawlers:
- Alaska Ocean. It is the largest catcher and processor in the U.S. fleet and can process up to 225 metric tons of frozen product daily.
- Pacific Glacier. It has the capacity to catch and process up to 165 metric tons of frozen fish product daily.
- Northern Glacier. It was the first vessel launched by the Glacier Fishing company. In 2011, the company converted it to a head and gut vessel for fishing groundfish species. The Northern Glacier has a daily production capacity of 93 metric tons.
Working as a fish processor, deckhand, mate, engineer, or technician on a Glacier Fish Company vessel isn’t easy. The harsh working conditions make working as a commercial fisherman one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Common injuries include frostbite, crush injuries, back injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries.
If you have suffered an injury on a Glacier Fish Company vessel, you have rights under maritime law and may be entitled to damages and compensation. Immediately after the injury, you should fill out a report with your employer to document the injury. If possible, you should have the master log the injury. After you report the injury, you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. You are not required to use the doctor suggested by your employer or insurance company. Under maritime law, you have the right to be treated by an independent medical professional of your choice.
In almost every case, you will be entitled to maintenance and cure benefits if you were injured while working on a commercial fishing vessel. Maintenance and cure includes compensation for daily living expenses and all reasonable and necessary medical expenses. You are covered under maintenance and cure regardless of who was at fault for the injury.
Many times, your injury could have been avoided if the vessel owner took reasonable precautions and provided a safe work environment. If your injury was caused in any part by the negligence Glacier Fish Company, you might be entitled to additional damages under the Jones Act. Examples of negligence include a failure to provide proper training, requiring excessive overtime, and a failure to follow industry standards. Some available damages under the Jones Act include lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and disfigurement. It is critical to reach out to an experienced maritime attorney, to ensure that you are getting the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC is a nationally recognized leader in maritime personal injury law. Kraft Davies has significant experience representing injured seamen against Glacier Fish Company. We understand the fishing industry and know how to get you the compensation that you deserve. If you or a loved one were injured in a commercial fishing or shipping accident, contact the attorneys at Kraft Davies today at 206.624.8844 or through this website.