Boating and Maritime Accidents

Alaska Boating and Maritime Accidents

Have you been injured in a fishing or boating accident? At the Law Offices of David Henderson we handle a variety of maritime accidents throughout the state of Alaska. We recover fair and just compensation for people hurt in both work related and non-work related accidents.

Commercial Boating Accidents

Serious and fatal accidents occur with alarming regularity in the fishing and crabbing industries. In fact, you are more likely to be killed on a crab fishery boat than on any other worksite. Accidents out in the Bering Sea result from captain error, equipment failure, and inclement weather.

Members of fishing or crab boats’ crews have remedies under federal law. Under the Jones Act, a "seaman" may recover monetary compensation from the owner or operator of a boat for medical care and living expenses. The Death on the High Seas Act of 1920 imposes strict liability upon on a boat owner. You will not have to prove fault for injuries sustained because of an unseaworthy vessel.  

Tourist Boating Accidents

Have you or a family member had your vacation ruined and your life changed by someone’s carelessness? Careless vessel owners and operators should be held responsible for their conduct and for the condition of their vessels. The boat operator and owner owe you, as their guest or invitee, a duty to exercise reasonable care to ensure your safety. Failing to meet that duty may make them liable for the injuries you suffer.

Negligent boating all too frequently causes serious injuries and death. Speeding, failing to warn or keep a proper lookout, and other dangerous behavior all leads to injuries and sometimes death.