Our state is blessed with abundant coastline and diverse population of fish and aquatic life. Whether it's our famous blue crab shellfish or the majestic white marlin, Maryland residents enjoy a wide variety of seafood from both freshwater and Atlantic Ocean fisheries.
Commercial fishing is an industry that supports many Maryland workers. Unfortunately, commercial fishing is also an industry that is constantly challenge with industrial workplace accidents. In fact, the problem of death and injury at sea for commercial fishermen has garnered attention from federal safety officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that the second leading cause of death among commercial fishermen comes from falling overboard. In an effort to increase awareness about the danger, the CDC has unrolled a marketing campaign called "Live to Be Salty". The campaign focuses on the use of personal flotation devices amongst fishermen as an effective way to prevent drowning after falling overboard. According to the CDC, at least 191 fishermen nationwide lost their lives due to drowning between 2000 and 2013.
Drowning isn't the only danger faced by commercial fishermen. Hazardous working conditions, long hours and harsh weather often conspire to make industrial workplace accidents a rather common affair in commercial fishing. In the decade between 2000 and 2010, the CDC estimates that 545 commercial fishermen have perished in U. S. waters.
The rather lucrative prices for some species of fish cause some commercial fishing companies to cut corners when it comes to worker safety. Add that to the ever-present fight against the weather to get fish on the boat, and it creates a recipe for industrial workplace accidents.
Despite the potential financial gains, Maryland workers have a right to earn their incomes without worrying about what will happen to them if they get hurt. If you have been injured by an industrial workplace accident, you may be entitled to receive wage replacement paychecks and medical benefits. Your Maryland workers compensation attorney can assist you with filing your claims to ensure that you receive all of the necessary and appropriate benefits you deserve.