For nearly 60 years, Latti Associates has been a pillar of justice for New England’s commercial fishing community. With deep generational roots in the admiralty law industry, this family-run firm is steadfast in its mission to protect the legal rights of commercial fishermen navigating the inherent dangers of their trade. Latti Associates has successfully represented captains, deckhands, and other fishing professionals recovering from devastating accidents. We understand the complexities of your work and the significant risks you face every day, and it’s our mission to protect your rights and livelihood.
Licensed in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and the ability to appear nationwide, Latti Associates offers comprehensive legal support tailored to the highly specialized needs of commercial fishermen. Our commitment goes beyond the courtroom; we recognize the generational ties and sacrifices inherent to fishing families. If you’re seeking an advocate who understands the maritime industry’s unique challenges and will fight relentlessly for justice, contact Latti Associates today.
Commercial fishing vessel injuries differ significantly from standard employees’ rights on land.
The Jones Act further protects commercial fishermen by granting them the right to seek compensation if their injuries result from their employer’s negligence and compensation under general maritime law for the unseaworthiness of the vessel.
As long as an injury occurred on the job commercial fisherman are also entitled to “maintenance and cure,” which covers basic living expenses and medical costs while they recover and until they reach maximum medical improvement, “MMI.”
The fishing industry is one of the most hazardous professions, where accidents can happen in moments, yet lead to life-altering consequences.
Accidents in commercial fishing are not uncommon, given the dangers of working with heavy machinery, unpredictable weather, and demanding physical conditions. Common causes of commercial fishing accidents include:
No two fishing accidents are the same, and where the incident occurs—onshore or offshore—plays a critical role in the type of legal protections and claims available.
At Latti Associates, we understand the nuances of these cases. Our experienced legal team provides the tailored guidance and steadfast advocacy needed to help commercial fishermen and their families seek justice and comprehensive compensation for their injuries.
Latti Associates has proudly represented commercial fisherman for over 60 years from ports in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, Washington and Alaska.
Latti Associates understands the unique challenges faced by commercial fishermen, and our compassionate, family-run team is ready to fight for you. With more than 60 years of experience in maritime law, we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring your family’s future is secure. Contact Latti Associates today for a free consultation to explore your options.
We offer free initial consultations, so it will cost you nothing to learn how we can help you. Contact us online or call today to schedule a free case review at your convenience.
Many commercial fishermen qualify as seamen under maritime law, which means they may have the right to bring a Jones Act claim, pursue an unseaworthiness claim, and seek maintenance and cure after an injury at sea. The exact claim depends on how the injury happened, who was responsible, and whether the vessel or its equipment was unsafe.
In many cases, yes. If your employer’s negligence played a role in the accident, you may be able to bring a Jones Act claim for your injuries. Depending on the facts, you may also have a separate claim if the vessel was unseaworthy or if another party contributed to what happened.
Maintenance and cure is a basic protection available to many injured seamen. “Maintenance” helps cover everyday living expenses while you recover, and “cure” refers to medical care related to the injury. These benefits may be available even before a negligence claim is resolved.
An injured commercial fisherman may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future lost earning ability, and other damages tied to the injury. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury, how it affects your ability to work, and whether negligence or unsafe vessel conditions were involved.
A vessel may be considered unseaworthy if it was not reasonably fit for its intended use. That can include defective equipment, unsafe working conditions, inadequate staffing, poor maintenance, or an unfit crew. These cases are very fact-specific, so it is important to look closely at what conditions existed before the injury happened.
Report the injury as soon as you can, get medical treatment, and make sure the incident is documented. If possible, keep records of the vessel name, where the accident happened, who witnessed it, and any unsafe equipment or conditions involved. Speaking with a maritime injury attorney early can also help protect your rights before key evidence disappears.
