If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a farm accident, you could be entitled to compensation. A Minnesota farm accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help you understand your legal options and pursue the fair compensation you deserve. A settlement from a personal injury case can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Call us for a free case evaluation.
Common Types of Farming Accidents in Minnesota
Minnesota’s farms are essential to our state’s economy and way of life, but the work can be hazardous. Agricultural workers in Minnesota face a range of serious risks when operating heavy machinery and power tools, working with livestock, and handling chemicals.
The leading causes of severe or fatal injuries on Minnesota farms include tractor overturns, machinery entanglements, and falls from heights (like ladders or silos). Other significant dangers include livestock incidents, grain bin entrapment, exposures to pesticides and other chemicals, and accidents involving defective products or farming equipment.
Common Injuries in Farm Accidents
A person who suffered injuries in a farm accident often sustains severe, life-altering injuries. These can range from broken bones and amputations to catastrophic spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Other serious outcomes for victims include severe burns and respiratory problems caused by chemical exposure.
The effects of these injuries can limit your ability to work or perform daily activities. Most farm accidents require both immediate and long-term medical care, creating a major financial burden for you and your family.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in Farm Accident Cases?
Determining who is liable in a Minnesota farm accident can be complex. Responsibility could fall on equipment manufacturers, farmers, farm owners, or other third parties. An experienced Minneapolis farm accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to identify if negligence was a factor. This could involve a failure to follow safety regulations, provide proper safety equipment, or maintain machinery.
Are Minnesota Farm Workers Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
In Minnesota, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. However, the rules for agricultural workers have specific exceptions under Minnesota Statutes §176.041.
- Family farms may be exempt from the requirement to provide workers’ compensation coverage for family members, including a spouse, parent, or child.
- Farms that paid less than a certain threshold in total cash wages in the previous calendar year may also be exempt.
If your employer does have workers’ compensation, farm accident victims can file a claim to cover medical care, wage replacement, and disability benefits. If not, or if a third party was at fault, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury attorney can help determine if you have a valid workers’ compensation case.
Recovering Compensation for a Farming Injury
Depending on the details of your case, you may seek compensation. This can include payment for medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. You may also be compensated for permanent disability, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. In the tragic event of a fatality, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim.
What to Do After a Minnesota Farm Accident
If you are involved in a farming accident, your priority should be to get immediate medical attention. Afterward, take the following steps if possible:
- Document the scene of the accident with photos or video.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Report the incident to your employer as soon as you can.
- Preserve any evidence, such as faulty farm equipment.
- Contact a Minnesota personal injury lawyer for a free case review.
How a Minnesota Farm Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a farming accident, our law firm can provide the legal services you need. We have in-depth knowledge of Minnesota law and will investigate your case to prove negligence. We handle all negotiations with insurance companies, and (if a fair settlement isn’t reached) we are prepared to take your case to court.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
We offer a free consultation to discuss your potential case. An experienced attorney can explain the legal process to protect your rights and answer your questions. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you have no upfront costs and pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
(312) 223-1700