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compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
The fishing industry is still an important source of income for many people in Scotland, but, because of the inherent dangers of working on and around water, especially in poor weather conditions, it can often give rise to a Scottish accident claim.
Sixty per cent of the offshore UK fishing industry is based in Scotland with the two main fleets catching fish such as cod and haddock or langoustines (scampi).
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is responsible for the safety of those working at sea, while the Health and Safety Executive is in charge of legislation regarding docks and the unloading of fish; and the maintenance of boats.
The MCA issues a Fisherman's Safety Guide which gives information on safe working practices and guidelines for action in an emergency. The comprehensive checklists cover information including maintenance of the vessel, electrical systems and fire prevention, storage and safe use of ropes as well as general safety procedures.
On board a boat, the skipper has overall responsibility for the safety of the crew to avoid any of them suffering a work-related accident, but if he is not the owner that person or business will also have some duties to maintain the vessel in good order and provide emergency equipment.
The men who go to sea accept that it is a dangerous environment in which to work and usually take care to look after themselves and their colleagues, but they have every right to expect their boat to be as safe as possible and that those in charge of its maintenance and equipment will have ensured it complies with all relevant safety standards.
After a trip, loading and unloading the catch is a time when there are further risks of an accident at work affecting either a fisherman, a docker or someone working in fish processing. The combination of heavy lifting equipment, surfaces made slippery by water and hazardous gangways between boat and shore conceal many hazards, especially if it is dark.
The chances of having a slip, trip or fall are quite high and those who are used to working on harbour sides will be aware of the dangers. However, this does not reduce the liability of an employer or owner of a quay and associated buildings from doing their best to reduce the likelihood of a work-related injury.
Whether operating out of a major port in Scotland such as Aberdeen or the many small harbours all around the coast, as with any other employee, fishermen are entitled to expect the best protection when at work so as to avoid having to make a Scottish accident claim.
Solicitors to help with making a Scottish accident claim
If you or a loved one has been in the unfortunate position of suffering a work-related accident or injury connected with the fishing industry, you may not be sure about making a Scottish accident claim for justified recompense but here at YouClaim we can help.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers combine professional expertise with a sympathetic and understanding attitude to accident victims and their families. Our advice is completely free and every aspect of legal procedures will be explained in a straight-forward manner.
Should you decide to proceed with a compensation claim, you can be assured of receiving not only the best of attention but if you win, as many of our claimants do, you will have 100% of compensation passed to you without deduction as part of our no win, no fee system.
To obtain more information about making a Scottish accident claim, you can complete the form on this page or contact us by phone and speak to one of our helpful legal advisers on 0800 10 757 95
