Fishing can be classified as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport. Fishing, like any other hobby or sport, can pose several risks. Fishing risks and injuries, for example, can include:
- Injuries caused by the hook component of the equipment
- Injuries caused by fishing line
- Drowning and hypothermia
- Injuries caused by fish or other wildlife
- Boating or other aquatic vehicle accidents
Fishing is generally a risk-free activity. However, as previously stated, accidents can occur, particularly in more “extreme” situations such as sporting activities, deep-sea fishing, rapids fishing, and fishing in high temperatures or weather.
Slipping and Falling
Being near the water can present a slipping hazard, whether you’re on a wet dock or boat deck or if your shoes are simply wet. You may fall if you are unable to recover from slipping. A forceful fall can result in a variety of traumatic injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries, depending on where and how you fall.
Injuries Caused by Equipment
Injuries caused by contact with items or fishing equipment accounted for 33% of on-the-job injuries among fishers and fishing-related professions between 2003 and 2009. Fishhooks frequently cause minor tissue trauma. Injuries from propeller contact are also common among persons who fish from powerboats.
According to the US Coast Guard, 200 to 250 non-fatal injuries are reported yearly due to a collision with a boat’s propeller or power unit.
Injuries Caused by Overuse
Overuse injuries are quite common. Fishing requires repetitive arm motions, resulting in strained muscles and injuries such as ligament tears, rotator cuff tendonitis, or tennis elbow.
While these injuries are typically associated with athletics, it is crucial to remember that they can also occur in fishermen.
These injuries can arise as a result of repetitive arm movements, such as casting or pulling in a fish. They are more likely to arise in regular fishermen than in those who only fish sometimes because they are caused by overuse.
A lack of flexibility and physical fitness commonly causes overuse injuries. Stretching and working out on a regular basis might help to improve your muscles.
Strains and Sprains
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sprains and strains accounted for one-third of all injuries among fishermen and allied fishing professions between 2003 and 2009. Sprains and strains can occur if someone is out of shape or overdoes it. These injuries are also possible as a result of a fall.
Avoiding Fishing Injuries
Maintain your fitness and stretch beforehand. Sprains and strains can be caused by a lack of physical fitness and flexibility while fishing. The appropriate exercises can also help with rotator cuff issues and tennis elbow by strengthening the muscles in the shoulder and forearm.
Wear the appropriate clothing. To reduce the chance of slipping, wear nonslip shoes, goggles, or sunglasses to protect your eyes from any fishhook incidents, and a life preserver in case you fall into the water.
Use extreme caution when nearing fishing equipment or boat propellers. As previously stated, fishing equipment is a primary source of fishing injuries. Fishhooks are extremely sharp and should be handled with extreme caution.
Knives, fishhooks, and fishing tackle should not be left lying around since they could trip you or someone else. Also, avoid getting too close to the boat’s propeller.
Make sure you have a mechanism to get assistance. Even if you are extremely cautious, injuries can occur. Bring a friend with you whenever feasible to assist in the event of an injury. Also, keep a cell phone or radio nearby in case you need to contact emergency services.
Although fishing is typically a calm and quiet hobby, this does not mean you should disregard safety precautions. You want to go home with many fish rather than an injury.
Sunburn
We don’t usually consider sunburn very dangerous, but we should. Sunburn can damage you in various ways, ranging from moderate to blistering, and the danger extends far beyond the usual redness, pain, and discomfort. In addition to raising your risk of skin cancer, sunburn can hasten skin aging.
The skin may blister when exposed to too much sun for an extended time. These blisters can swell and become quite painful. Furthermore, they can expose your skin to infection.
Sunburn is one of the most simple fishing injuries to avoid. Covering up will provide a shield against the sun’s harmful rays. Wear a cap, long sleeves, and pants to keep your body fully covered. Cover as much skin as possible!
Sunscreens are available in a variety of compositions and administration techniques. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it exactly as instructed.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
Keep in mind that even minor injuries can have major repercussions if not handled properly.You must wash the affected area with clean water if you are hurt when fishing. You could skip this step if your injury did not break the skin.
Keep an eye on the damage, and if you have severe pain or the wound shows signs of infection, go to the nearest emergency room. Making a phone call to your doctor or going to the emergency department can mean the difference between a mild illness and a major, life-threatening injury.
Who Is Liable for a Fishing Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, liability for fishing accidents might be assigned to a variety of parties. These could include:
- Other anglers in the vicinity (for instance, if they negligently handled their fishing equipment or gear)
- Manufacturers of fishing equipment or gear
- Drivers of boats or other vehicles
- Several other parties
Liability can be determined by various circumstances, including whether any laws were broken and negligence or recklessness was involved. For example, if an angler handled their equipment carelessly and caused an injury to another person, they may be held accountable for the accident.
Is It Possible to Sue for a Fishing Injury or Accident?
Injuries sustained while fishing are frequently the subject of legal action. This is especially true for catastrophic injuries or those that have harmed a large number of individuals. A monetary damages award for the non-liable party may result from a fishing accident litigation.
The compensation may cover damages and expenses such as hospital bills and other medical bills.
Finally, fishing injuries caused by product defects may result in a class action lawsuit, a product recall, or other actions. Contact a lawyer if you have any questions about class action lawsuits or any other form of litigation regarding your claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Fishing Injury Claim?
Fishing injuries can be severe and affect a large number of people. If you need help with a fishing injury claim, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer in your region.
You are not alone if you’ve been injured during a fishing trip. A qualified lawyer can help you and get you the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney can conduct legal research for you and respond to any requests or questions.
In addition, if you need to appear in court, your lawyer can give you help and representation. Lastly, your lawyer can keep you updated if there are any changes to fishing injury laws that could affect your legal rights and options.
