Agricultural injuries were one of the biggest causes of work-related fatalities in Great Britain last year – accounting for 22% of all fatal injuries at work according to the Health & Safety Executive’s annual fatal injury statistics.

Given the vast array of heavy and powerful tools and machines farm workers need to use for cutting, trimming, ploughing, boring, and crushing on a daily basis, it is inevitable that malfunctions and accidents will happen and somebody will get hurt.

Therese Classon, a Partner in the Personal Injury department at WBW Solicitors, explains how to go about claiming compensation if you have been involved in a farming accident involving heavy objects and equipment.

The Employer’s Obligation

It is the responsibility of employers to guarantee that employees are trained appropriately for their tasks, that the equipment used is well-maintained and bears warning signs, and that safety gear is provided. If the employer falls short in this duty and an injury occurs, the employee may be eligible for compensation.

Injury Types

A wide range of injuries can arise from working with heavy objects or equipment, such as head injuries from falling objects, fractures, soft tissue injuries or even limb loss from malfunctioning or insecure equipment, inadequate safety gear, or overturned tractors. Additionally, hoisting heavy loads can cause muscle tears, back trauma, and dislocations.

Seeking Compensation

If you have sustained an injury in an agricultural accident, it is important to contact a solicitor as soon as possible, as there are strict time limits for filing a personal injury claim. In the event of a fatal farming accident, the deceased’s estate can make a claim to support the family and dependants.

A personal injury lawyer with expertise in this field can assist with collecting the necessary evidence to support the claim and ensure that you receive proper medical care. They may also be able to secure an interim payment to alleviate the financial burden of time off work or to pay for private medical treatment.

The compensation you may be entitled to includes damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity; loss of earnings; medical expenses; physiotherapy and rehabilitation and travel expenses to hospital. You might also be able to claim for continuing care, loss of future salary and pension, and alterations to your home depending on the severity of your injury.

For further information, please contact Therese Classon at WBW Solicitors in Newton Abbot on 01626 202328 or email [email protected]

WBW has offices in TorquayPaigntonNewton AbbotExeterBovey Tracey,  Exmouth,  Honiton,  Sidmouth,  Launceston,  AxminsterChard and Seaton.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.