If you or a loved one has suffered serious agricultural injuries in a farm accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An Ohio farm accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve in a personal injury claim.
In this Article
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Farm Accident in Ohio?
Common Types of Farming Industry Accidents in Ohio
Farm work is among the most dangerous occupations; Ohio agricultural workers face a variety of serious hazards, such as operating heavy machinery, handling toxic chemicals, managing livestock, and working in and around silos and grain augers.
Common causes of severe or fatal injuries include tractor rollovers, transportation crashes, machinery entanglements, crush injuries, struck-by incidents, falls from ladders or silos, livestock incidents, grain bin suffocation, and exposures to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.
Common Injuries Sustained in Farm Accidents
Farm accident victims often suffer severe, life-changing injuries, including broken bones, amputations, spinal cord injuries (SCIs), or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They may also experience respiratory issues from chemical exposure and serious burns.
The consequences of such injuries can limit the ability of individuals to work or perform daily activities. They frequently require both immediate and long-term medical care, accumulating medical bills and expenses for families.
Who Is Responsible for Farm Accident Injuries?
Determining liability in farm accidents is complex, often involving multiple parties, such as equipment manufacturers, farmers, farm owners, or agribusiness employers. A thorough investigation by an experienced personal injury lawyer can identify if negligence, failure to follow safety regulations, or failure to provide proper safety equipment contributed to your injuries.
Are Farm Workers Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Ohio?
In Ohio, the workers’ compensation system is state-run and generally mandatory for employers with one or more employees. Unlike in some other states, farm labor is not broadly exempt from coverage. This means many agricultural employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.
Benefits are typically provided through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) or a self-insuring employer. Injured farm workers should report their injuries to their employer immediately and file a claim with the BWC to start the process.
There are some limited exceptions. For instance, the specific structure of a farm operation can affect coverage requirements, and certain family members working on a family farm or corporate officers might be excluded by election. Because coverage rules can be detailed, it’s wise to clarify your specific situation.
If non-employer negligence caused your injury—for example, a defective piece of equipment from a manufacturer—you may also have a third-party claim. It is essential to consult an Ohio farm accident lawyer to understand your eligibility for workers’ compensation and explore all potential sources of recovery.
Can Injured Victims Recover Compensation for a Farming Injury?
Depending on the circumstances, victims with severe injuries in farming accidents may be able to recover damages. This can include compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, permanent disability, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. In extreme cases, a wrongful death claim can provide compensation for surviving family members.
Because every situation is unique, it’s important for injured agricultural workers to consult an attorney in our personal injury law firm about what types of compensation may result from a workers’ compensation claim, personal injury claim, or wrongful death claim.
What Should I Do If I Suffer a Farming Accident?
After a farming accident, seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Then, document the accident scene, gather witnesses’ contact information and statements, and report the incident to your employer as required. Preserve any evidence, such as faulty farm equipment. Finally, contact Ohio farming accident lawyers to explore your legal options and protect your rights as a farm worker.
How Can an Ohio Farm Accident Attorney Help Me?
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed, we can help. With in-depth knowledge and understanding of agricultural law, an Ohio farm accident attorney guides our clients through the claims process. We prove fault and build a strong case for you. We handle tough negotiations with the insurance company and provide legal representation to seek the financial compensation you deserve. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, it is our job to take your case to trial and present it to the court.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Our skilled legal team has the crucial experience needed to provide the services you need to pursue a fair settlement. In your free consultation, you can expect to increase your awareness of how the legal system works. You will learn how we can provide assistance to help you achieve justice.