Farmers and farm workers are at risk of various types of injuries on the job. Tractor rollovers, machinery malfunctions, falls, and respiratory issues are just some of the challenges they may face. These injuries can often lead to hospital stays, long-term health issues, or worse. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, we’re here to help guide you through this difficult time and explore options for compensation that can support your recovery.

At Kane Personal Injury, we understand that farm accidents can be overwhelming. Our team is dedicated to listening to your experience, helping you navigate the process, and working toward a fair settlement so you can focus on healing.

Farm Accidents Are More Common Than You Might Think

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agricultural sector is the most dangerous in America. Out of 100,000 people who work on farms, approximately 23 of them will die. In addition, a recent study by Penn State calculating farm injuries over a 4-year period found that 60,000 people were treated in emergency departments after nonfatal, agricultural-related accidents. 

If you or someone you care about has been injured on the farm, it’s important to know how you might be able to receive compensation to help with medical expenses and lost wages. You don’t have to face this challenge alone.

Some of the most common farm accident injuries include:

• Tractor rollovers, with 1 in 7 farmers involved in tractor overturns becoming permanently disabled.
• Grain bin entrapment, often resulting in suffocation.
• Falls from ladders, causing broken limbs or paralysis.
• Entanglement in heavy machinery leading to nerve damage or amputation.
• Kicks from horses or cows, causing organ damage, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Respiratory illnesses caused by inhaling pesticides, mold spores, manure, and toxic fumes.
• Chemical burns causing permanent disfigurement.

While some accidents may be related to the work environment or equipment, others may stem from outside factors, like faulty machinery or poor product safety warnings. No two accidents are the same, and it’s important to look closely at the situation to see how we can help.

Who Can Help with Your Farm Accident Injury?

After being injured in a farm accident, it’s best to contact a knowledgeable attorney who can work with you to find sources of money to address your medical bills. Contrary to popular belief, the attorneys role is not necessarily to sue anyone (unless this is absolutely necessary to move a case forward). Much of what an attorney does is work with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Finding this compensation might mean working with:

The Farm Owner or Agricultural Company. Owners and operators of farms are responsible for a safe working environment. If that was not established, or proper training was not provided, worker’s comp might be in play (see below).

The manufacturer of farming equipment or chemicals. Sometimes farm equipment might have a known fault or design defect. It is worth seeing, for example, if there is a class action suit to join, or an existing pool of money to make a claim against.

A third party motorist. Drivers who operate third-party vehicles on a farm or rural roads, such as delivery truck drivers, can be held liable if their carelessness behind the wheel results in an accident. The company that owns the truck may share responsibility too.

Am I Eligible for Worker’s Compensation if I Was Injured in a Farm Accident?

If you’ve been injured while working on a farm, it’s possible that worker’s compensation could help cover medical expenses and lost wages. But laws regarding worker’s comp can vary, and it’s important to talk with an experienced attorney who knows the rules in your state. For example, under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, the following rules apply:

• If a farmer has less than 400 working days of labor in any quarter, they are exempt from workers comp requirements. 
• If the 400-day mark is hit in any quarter of the previous year, they lose the exemption.
• Family members who work on farms that employed less than 400 working days of labor per quarter during the prior calendar year—exclusive of the employer’s spouse and other family members who live with the farm employer—are exempt from the mandate to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
• Part-time and seasonal workers must be counted toward the 400 days.
• When the exemption is lost, the farmer is treated as any other employer and is required to carry WC insurance. 

A Knowledgeable Farm Accident Attorney Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Injuries from farm accidents can be tough, both physically and financially. At Kane Personal Injury, we understand how challenging it can be to recover from these types of injuries, especially when you’re facing the uncertainty of medical bills and lost income. The attorneys at our Effingham office are here to help you determine who can offer you support and compensation for your recovery. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay us until you receive compensation.