Farmers and agricultural workers are resilient and dedicated to their work, tackling some of the most physically demanding tasks in any industry. The agricultural sector stands out as among the most hazardous industries, frequently prompting personal injury solicitors to grapple with farm accident claims.
The breadth of responsibilities on a farm is staggering, each task essential for maintaining operations and ensuring the farm’s viability. These duties encompass a wide spectrum of activities, including:
- Operating and maintaining farm machinery and vehicles, from tractors and ploughs to milking machines, requiring both skill and mechanical acumen.
- Tending to livestock, which entails not only feeding and milking but also ensuring their overall well-being and health.
- Preparing fields for planting by ploughing and cultivating the soil, a physically demanding process that sets the stage for successful crop growth.
- Harvesting crops at the peak of ripeness, often under tight deadlines to preserve quality and maximise yield.
- Planting seeds with precision and care, laying the foundation for future harvests and the farm’s continued productivity.
- Upholding the working environment, which involves ongoing maintenance and upkeep to ensure safety and efficiency.
The relentless nature of farming, where work continues regardless of weather conditions or personal fatigue, highlights the immense challenges these individuals face daily. It is no surprise, then, that farm accident claims are common, as such demanding work often comes with the risk of serious injury.
Types of farm accidents
In the farming and agricultural industries, accidents can have devastating consequences, ranging from severe injuries to tragic fatalities.
When it comes to farm accident claims, farming equipment accidents top the list. The dangers posed by moving vehicles, particularly tractors, are especially grave, often resulting in fatal outcomes or serious injuries due to mechanical faults and collisions. Similarly, contact with machinery such as shredders or cultivators can lead to a wide array of severe injuries, some of which may leave lasting impacts such as scars, loss of mobility and in severe cases, traumatic amputation.
In the agricultural environment, slips, trips, and falls carry heightened risks. Whether it’s falling from heights like tractors or large machinery, or simply navigating uneven terrain, these accidents can result in severe head, back and limb fractures or soft tissue injuries. Moreover, the unpredictable nature of farm work means workers are also at risk of being struck by objects like trees or heavy equipment, further increasing the potential for injury.
Manual handling poses yet another hazard, with farm accident claims involving the lifting of heavy equipment often resulting in serious harm due to the weight and nature of the items being handled. Injuries associated with heavy lifting are often musculoskeletal.
And let’s not forget about the animals. While interactions with farm animals may seem innocuous, they can pose significant dangers, particularly during handling. Animals are unpredictable and there have been farm accident claims where workers have been bitten, kicked and even killed by livestock.
Making farm accident claims
Despite the demanding nature of their work and the inherent risks involved, some individuals working on farms may be hesitant to pursue farm accident claims when injured on the job. This reluctance often stems from a deep-rooted sense of pride and self-reliance prevalent within agricultural communities.
Many farmers view injuries as an unavoidable part of their profession, preferring to soldier on rather than seeking external assistance. Additionally, there may be concerns about disrupting farm operations or tarnishing relationships with employers or fellow workers by pursuing farm accident claims.
This can sometimes hinder individuals from accessing the support and compensation they rightfully deserve. However, it’s crucial to remind farmers and agricultural workers that prioritising their well-being and seeking compensation for workplace injuries is not a sign of weakness but rather a fundamental right that ensures their continued health and livelihood.
How can Stonehewer Moss Solicitors help?
If you were involved in a farming accident and have suffered an injury as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. Stonehewer Moss Solicitors are an APIL accredited personal injury law firm, with more than 20 years of experience in personal injury. Our team have extensive knowledge in the handling of farm accident claims and work to achieve the maximum level of compensation for all of our clients.
A free, no-obligation initial consultation will give you the opportunity to discuss your case with our friendly helpline advisors, who will be able to talk you through the next steps. To reassure you, most cases that we take on can be done on a no win no fee basis, so you won’t need to pay anything if your claim is not successful.
Need expert advice on farm accident claims? Call Stonehewer Moss today on 01606 872200 or email the team at info@stonehewermoss.co.uk.
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Call us on freephone 0800 434 6544 or 01606 87 22 00
Email us at info@stonehewermoss.co.uk
