Farm injuries can happen during any time of year, but they are particularly common during the summer. Since most farm work occurs in the spring and summer, most farm injuries occur during these seasons. It is not always possible to avoid an injury, but you should still remain aware of some of the most common accidents and injuries that occur on farms.
What are some common causes of farm injuries?
Every farm is unique when it comes to its crops, layout, machinery and staff. However, there are a few common factors that can pose hazards to any farmer, visitor or worker.
- Machinery such as tractors, combines, cultivators, plows and harrows
- Unsafe structures, including silos and barns
- Animal attacks, kicks or trampling
- Slip-and-falls or trip-and-falls on slippery floors or cluttered areas
- Asbestos and lead paint in old barns and other structures
- Heatstroke, particularly in the summer
This list is far from complete. It names only a few of the most common accidents that occur on farms throughout Minnesota.
Personal injuries can last a lifetime
Accidents, even those that seem minor, can have lifelong repercussions. Some injuries bring chronic pain that never leaves. There are also numerous expenses associated with personal injuries. Medical treatment alone can cost thousands of dollars. Add to that the need for ongoing physical therapy or mental health counseling to cope with the trauma of an accident and you may incur even more costs.
If you suffer an accident on a farm, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. In addition to the costs of treatment, you may also recover compensation for lost wages, loss of earning potential, pain and suffering and punitive damages.
