Westport, Washington, located on the south side of Grays Harbor on the Pacific Ocean, is one of the largest and most productive commercial fishing ports in the United States, and has been for some time. With a deep-rooted history of the marina, it continues to make positive impacts to the local, regional, and national maritime communities. At the port, there is moorage space for 600 vessels, and the industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy. Sitting at the northeast tip of the marina is the Fishermen’s Memorial, which is dedicated to those lost at sea while fishing and serves as a solemn yet important reminder of the dangers of the ocean and commercial fishing.
Commercial fishermen in Washington put their lives and wellbeing at risk to serve their communities and make a living. It is critical that these hardworking men and women know their rights and are able to seek justice through the legal system. A salty Washington maritime lawyer at Mariner Law, PLLC is standing by to help clients in Westport achieve lawful compensation after being hurt or killed on the job at sea.
The waterways of Westport, Washington can harbor dangerous conditions that can result in injury. If a negligent employer or vessel fails to put into place good practices and safeguards to protect their employees, the environment can be unreasonably dangerous. Commercial fishermen and other mariners serving out of Westport, Washington frequently suffer the following as the result of negligence or unseaworthiness:
Going overboard
Slip and falls
Exposure to dangerous fumes
Enclosed space injuries
Chemical burns
Drowning
Brain injuries
Fractures bones
Wrongful Death
Lost at sea
With the help of federal maritime law, Jones Act seamen and shore workers who have been harmed while on the job may be entitled to compensation and other benefits. Maritime laws and statutes such as the Jones Act, Unseaworthiness, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) may provide diligent Washingtonians in the maritime industry the opportunity to file claims against culpable parties like vessel owners, maritime employers, and other third parties. Moreover, the ancient maritime remedy known as Maintenance and Cure may provide financial assistance for room and board as well as injury-related medical expenses to victims while recovering.
An experienced Washington State maritime lawyer at Mariner Law, PLLC understands the maritime industry, the key roles of maritime workers (such as commercial fishermen) in marine trades, and the body of maritime and admiralty law. The firm is proud to use its skills to aid admiralty personal injury victims and family members to mariners tragically killed on the job. The expertise of the firm ensures that a broad perspective is brought to maritime matters from a wide variety of jobs on countless types of vessels. To find out what Mariner Law, PLLC can do to help you or a loved one, call (253) 600-2531 today for a free consultation.