Farming is a dangerous career. Every day a farmer spends on the job is another opportunity for them to be injured. From heavy machinery to heights to chemical exposure, farmers are at risk of significant, life-altering injuries. Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., can help you if you sustain an injury in a farming accident.
Causes of Agricultural Injuries
Some common accidents that can lead to devastating injuries for farm workers include:
- Heavy machinery accidents – Farm workers can be pinned under tractors or other heavy equipment if they overturn, resulting in crush injuries or even death. Crush injuries include fractures and internal bleeding.
- Amputations – Tragic amputations can occur if a worker is caught in the moving parts of farm machinery. Fingers, hands, and arms are at risk of being caught or trapped, which can result in severe cuts or amputations.
- Falls—Farm workers who have to climb ladders, tall machinery, or barns are at risk for falls. Aerial lifts, which are often found on farms, can cause falls due to their instability or defects.
- Suffocation – Grain handling on farms represents a serious risk of death for workers. When unloading a farm silo or grain elevator, the strong vacuum that forms at the top of the grain container can result in the farm worker’s tragic suffocation if they are sucked in. OSHA regulations prohibit workers from being at the top of the silo or tamping down the grain for unloading, but often safety protocols are not enforced.
- Toxic Exposure and Burns—Short-term exposures to pesticides and herbicides on farms can irritate your skin or damage your airway. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can result in cancer or other serious illnesses. Many of these chemicals are also highly flammable. If these substances ignite, fires and explosions can occur. Any nearby farm workers are also at risk for severe and life-threatening burns and disfigurement.
- Animal Injuries – Farm animals are notoriously unpredictable, with unsuspecting farm workers injured by animal kicks, trampling, and even bites. These incidents can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, organ damage, infections, and traumatic brain injuries.
Can I Sue for An Agricultural Injury?
If you are injured in a farm accident, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Because most agricultural workers are not covered by workers comp, you cannot receive workers’ comp benefits for your medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured on the job. However, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit if you can establish the negligence of the owner or operator of the farm where your injury occurred. Or, if a defective product, such as faulty equipment, caused your injuries, your attorney may determine that you can sue the product manufacturer.
Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of the accident to determine all potentially liable parties from whom you can seek compensation.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Farm Injury?
If you were injured in a farm accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Your attorney will obtain all of your medical records and bills, payroll records, and additional evidence of your financial losses so they can evaluate the full extent of the value of your case. You could be entitled to money from the at-fault party for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
Contact our Minot & Grand Forks Farm Accident Attorney Today
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we will help you with all aspects of your agricultural injury case. From collecting evidence to evaluating your losses to assessing the liability of potentially responsible parties, you can rest assured that when you work with a farm accident attorney from our firm, you are in good hands. While you recover from your injuries, we will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today to speak to an experienced North Dakota personal injury attorney in a confidential consultation.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks and Minot, as well as the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal assistance and guidance to those facing the complex challenges that arise from these incidents.
