Working on a crab boat is one of the most dangerous jobs on the water. Long hours, heavy gear, freezing conditions, and rough seas all come together in a high-risk environment where serious injuries can happen fast.
From the Bering Sea off Dutch Harbor to the busy docks of New Bedford and Gloucester, crab fishermen face the same daily risks. Whether you are hauling pots, working the deck, or managing gear below, one unsafe condition can lead to a life-changing injury.
At Latti Associates, we represent injured crab fishermen across the country. Our firm understands the realities of commercial fishing and the legal protections available under maritime law.
Crab fishing pushes both crews and equipment to the limit. When something fails, the results can be severe. Some of the most frequent causes of injuries include:
In competitive fisheries, especially in Alaska, vessels often head out in dangerous weather to maximize catch. That pressure increases the risk of accidents on board.
Many of these incidents could be avoided with proper training, safe procedures, and well-maintained equipment.
Crab boat injuries are rarely minor. The size of the equipment and the conditions at sea often lead to serious harm. We represent clients dealing with:
These injuries can make it difficult or impossible to return to fishing work. For many, that means a complete change in livelihood.
Crab fishermen have legal protections that do not apply to land-based workers. These rights come from maritime law, including the Jones Act, which allows injured seamen to bring claims against their employer.
If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions, lack of training, or faulty equipment, you may be able to recover damages through a Jones Act claim.
You may also have a claim based on unseaworthiness. This applies when a vessel, its equipment, or its crew is not reasonably safe for its intended use.
In addition, injured fishermen are entitled to maintenance and cure. This is a separate benefit that applies even if no one was at fault. It includes:
An injury at sea can lead to lost income, ongoing medical care, and lasting physical limitations. Maritime law allows you to recover compensation based on how the injury affects your life.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
In more serious cases, these claims also account for the long-term impact on your ability to return to work in the fishing industry.
Crab boat accident claims are different from standard injury cases. They often involve federal maritime law, vessel inspections, crew testimony, and detailed investigations into what happened on board. Latti Associates is based in Boston and represents maritime workers nationwide. Led by trial lawyer Carolyn Latti, our firm has decades of experience handling claims for fishermen, deckhands, and offshore workers. We have represented clients working in major fishing regions across North America, including Alaska and the East Coast. Our approach focuses on building strong cases that hold up in court and reflect the full impact of the injury.
If you were injured while working on a crab boat, you may have more rights than you realize under maritime law. These cases often involve multiple claims, and acting early can make a difference. Contact the experienced team at Latti Associates to discuss your crab boat injury case. We represent fishermen and maritime workers nationwide and are ready to help you move forward.
