Types of Farming Equipment Injuries

Farming feeds nations, but it’s not without risks. In fact, in the U.S., agriculture has the highest rate of preventable fatal and non-fatal injuries by industry sector. Among these are the numerous hazards associated with farming equipment.In Colorad, most agriculture-related fatalities are from machinery operations, including tractors. Considering that Colorado boasts 38,800 farms and ranches, amounting to approximately 31.8 million acres of land, equipment-related farming injuries are an issue that deserves attention. So, let’s look at the most common types of farming equipment injuries, what causes them, and what you can do if you’ve been injured. Because knowledge is power, and at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we want to ensure you understand your rights and options.

What Are the Most Common Types of Farming Equipment Injuries?

While types of farming equipment injuries can range from superficial bruises to fatalities, the most common include:

• Cuts and lacerations. Farming equipment with sharp blades, like harvesters and mowers, can cause serious cuts or lacerations that range from superficial to severe, leading to significant blood loss or requiring surgical intervention.
• Amputations. Equipment with moving parts can snag clothing and limbs, leading to catastrophic injuries.
• Crush injuries. Heavy machinery like tractors and balers can trap limbs or body parts, resulting in broken bones, internal damage, and sometimes, death.

Now that you’re familiar with the common types of farming injuries let’s examine the machinery that typically causes them.

What Are the Most Common Types of Farming Equipment Accidents?

All farm machinery can cause a farming equipment injury, but some are more common than others.

Tractor accidents

A tractor’s size and power can make it dangerous, especially if incorrectly operated. Tractor accidents result from rollovers, collisions, or entanglement with machinery attachments. These accidents most commonly lead to the most severe injuries, such as crush injuries, amputations, and death.

Combine harvester accidents

Combine harvesters’ complex machinery and high operating speeds can increase the risk of accidents. Common injuries associated with combine harvesters include limb entanglement, lacerations, and traumatic injuries from being struck by moving parts.

Power tool incidents

Farm workers commonly use handheld power tools such as chainsaws, trimmers, and hedge cutters in various farming activities. Power tool accidents can occur due to improper use, lack of maintenance, or malfunction, causing lacerations, puncture wounds, and hand and limb injuries.

Transportation accidents

Farming involves transporting equipment, supplies, and products between different locations. Transportation accidents can occur due to vehicle malfunction, driver error, or hazardous road conditions. These accidents can result in collisions, rollovers, or vehicle-related injuries, causing significant harm to drivers, passengers, and bystanders.

What Do I Do If I Have a Farming Injury Claim?

In the unfortunate event of a farming equipment injury, you may be entitled to compensation through:

• Workers’ compensation. Most farm workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, which can provide benefits regardless of who caused the injury. However, compensation may be limited, especially if the employer has few employees or is exempt from carrying insurance.
• Product liability claims. If defective or unsafe equipment caused your injury, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. These claims can provide compensation for injuries caused by design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.
• Negligence. Sometimes, someone else’s negligence causes an injury, such as an employer’s failure to maintain equipment or provide a safe working environment. A negligence claim can allow you to recover damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

Piloting a legal claim after a farming injury can be complex, but with the guidance of an experienced attorney at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., you can significantly improve your chances of success. Contact us today for a free case review.

Engage the Experienced Colorado Personal Injury Champions

With collective experience spanning over 75 years, Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., prioritizes personalized legal support and individual client attention. Recognizing the impact of farming equipment injuries, including the physical, emotional, and financial burdens, we are dedicated to championing the rights of those affected. Notably, Attorney Eric Steiner, M.D., a former Cardiac Anesthesiologist, enriches our team with invaluable medical insights, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation and compelling presentation of your injury’s complexities. From inception to finish, we handle every facet of your legal journey, fighting for your rights and fair compensation so you can concentrate on healing.