Commercial Fishermen: Could Your Job Cause Tendon and Muscle Injuries?

Commercial fishermen have dangerous jobs, but the hazards aren’t limited to unpredictable seas. The repetitive nature of commercial fishing and the awkward physical positions fishers work in put them at risk of suffering musculoskeletal injuries.

Commercial fishers often spend many of their working hours:

  • Throwing a net or line into the water
  • Pulling an often heavy, loaded net or line out of the water
  • Transferring fish from the net or line onto the boat to be processed
  • Transferring fish off of the boat

The consistent throwing, bending, and heavy lifting take a toll on a fisherman’s body. Additionally, these workers often live in cramped quarters onboard ships, and lack adequate space to stretch out and rest.

Diverse Injuries of Industrial Fishing

The repetitive nature and awkward positioning of fishers’ significant physical demands can cause strain and injury in areas such as:

  • Back and shoulders
  • Elbows, wrists, and hands
  • Hips and knee

Over time, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle spasms, and other musculoskeletal injuries develop. These injuries are frequently painful, and might prevent a fisherman from doing his job. Additionally, there’s often a limited amount of time to secure the desire catch, so intense workloads and long shifts, combined with being out on the water for up to weeks make proper healing a challenge.

How a Maritime Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you can’t work because you were hurt doing your job at sea, then you may be able to recover damages. Maritime law may allow you to receive medical care and be compensated for your living expenses until you have reached the point of maximum medical improvement.

Maritime law is a unique area. Texas workers’ compensation laws don’t typically apply. Instead, you may recover because of federal laws, such as the Jones Act, that are in place to protect you.

Understand your rights by contacting Attorney Steve Lee today. The law offices of Steven M. Lee, P.C., are ready to help you with the process. Use any of the numbers on this page to contact us, or start a Live Chat to schedule a free information session.

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