Common Dangers in the Agricultural Industry

North Dakota has a strong agricultural industry, which plays an important role in feeding the nation. However, this work comes with a lot of risks. The hazards inherent to farming can lead to serious injuries – and, in some cases – wrongful death. And yet, agricultural workers are often excluded from workers’ compensation programs. Even without workers’ compensation protections, there may be ways to recover compensation. Whether you’re a farmworker, landowner, or a visitor to a rural property, understanding the common dangers in the agricultural industry can help you protect yourself as well as know your rights if you end up injured.

Following are some common types of accidents in the agriculture industry.

Tractor accidents

Tractors are essential tools in agriculture, but they’re also one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment on a farm. Rollovers are the leading cause of tractor-related injuries and fatalities. Despite advancements in rollover protective structures, not all tractors are equipped with these life-saving features.

Other risks include being run over, getting caught in machinery, or collisions with other vehicles. If your tractor accident occurs due to faulty equipment or a lack of safety measures, you might have a claim for damages. Our Minot personal injury lawyers work to determine whether negligence—such as inadequate maintenance or defective machinery—played a role.

Farm machinery accidents

Other machinery like combines, balers, and augers also pose a serious risk of injury. These machines have powerful moving parts that can entangle clothing or limbs, leading to severe injuries like amputations or crush injuries.

Agricultural employers are required to provide proper training and ensure that equipment is safe to operate and well-maintained. If a machine malfunctions due to a design or manufacturing defect, and you suffer injury, you may be able to file a product liability claim. Our lawyers can investigate the farming equipment and consult with engineering experts to prove negligence or defects.

Chemical exposure

Agriculture workers often use pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to maximize crop yields. Unfortunately, these chemicals can pose significant health risks if workers don’t handle them properly. Acute exposure may cause dizziness, nausea, and respiratory distress, and long-term exposure can cause chronic illnesses, including cancer and neurological disorders.

Farmworkers and even nearby residents can be affected if chemicals are applied without proper safety precautions. Employers are required to provide protective equipment and training on handling hazardous substances. If they fail to do so and you suffer injury as a result, you might be able to recover medical expenses and other damages.

Grain bin and silo accidents

Grain bins and silos are essential for storing crops, but they can also be extremely dangerous. Workers entering grain bins risk suffocation if they become engulfed in the grain, which behaves like quicksand. Other risks include falls from heights or exposure to toxic gases like carbon dioxide or nitrogen dioxide that can accumulate in enclosed and confined spaces.

Federal safety regulations from OSHA require specific safety protocols for working in grain bins, including the use of harnesses and gas detection equipment. If an employer fails to meet these standards and you are injured, our Minot personal injury attorneys can take legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Livestock-related injuries

Farmers and ranchers who work with livestock always run the risk of being kicked, bitten, or crushed by animals. Cattle, horses, and even smaller animals can cause serious injury if startled or improperly handled. Visitors to farms, including children, are also at risk, especially if they’re unfamiliar with animal behavior.

In some cases, injuries happen due to inadequate fencing or a lack of warning signs about dangerous animals. Property owners have a duty to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for workers and visitors. If they fail in this duty, they may be held liable for your injuries.

Transportation injuries

Agricultural workers also often transport equipment and goods on North Dakota’s rural roadways. These roads can present challenges, including narrow lanes, limited visibility, and the presence of slow-moving vehicles. Collisions involving farm vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries, especially when large machinery is involved.

Determining fault in these types of accidents can be complicated, particularly if multiple vehicles are involved. Our personal injury lawyers can investigate the circumstances of the accident, collect evidence, and work to secure compensation on your behalf.

Heat stress and dehydration

North Dakota’s summers can be intense, and agricultural workers often spend long hours in the sun. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without proper hydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, both of which can be life-threatening.

Employers have a responsibility to provide access to water, shade, and regular breaks to prevent heat-related illnesses. If they fail to do so and you suffer harm from extreme conditions, they may be liable for your injuries.

What legal protections do Minot agricultural workers have?

Farming is an inherently risky industry, and legal protections exist to safeguard both workers and visitors. North Dakota law requires employers to provide a reasonably safe working environment, including training, maintenance of equipment, and adherence to safety standards. Employers who fail to offer this environment could be liable for resulting injuries to workers.

In cases that involve defective equipment or hazardous chemicals, manufacturers and suppliers can also be held liable for your injuries. These cases typically involve complicated investigations and negotiations, which is why you need an experienced lawyer by your side.

What is the value of my Minot agricultural accident claim?

If you’re injured in an agricultural accident, you may be entitled to a variety of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and loss of ability to work in the future

The attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers work to ensure all aspects of your losses are accounted for in your claim.

How can your Minot personal injury attorneys help?

From dealing with insurance companies to understanding your rights, the legal process can be complicated. That’s where our personal injury attorneys come in. We’ve helped many clients secure maximum compensation for their injuries and can assist you with the following:

• We can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts in their fields to build a strong case on your behalf.
• We deal with the insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
• If a fair settlement can’t be reached, our skilled litigators represent you in court.

Our experienced attorneys also help guide you through the process and address your concerns every step of the way.

Remember, agriculture is vital to North Dakota’s economy, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. If you or a loved one has been injured in an agricultural accident, the Minot personal injury attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our Minot agricultural accident attorneys now or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Fargo, Minot, or Bismarck.