Farm Accident Compensation Claims
NoWinNoFee.com is a claims management company that helps people claim compensation for an accident or injury that wasn't their fault
With no win no fee agreements (also known as a Conditional Fee Arrangements, or CFAs), there are no upfront legal fees, which means anyone who has been involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault can gain access to justice without any financial risk. Your solicitor only gets a fee if your claim is successful. If your claim isn't successful, you won’t pay your solicitor any legal fees.
If your case is successful, typically you will pay 25% (including VAT) of your compensation to your solicitor, although they will discuss any fees before starting your case. To ensure your claim is risk free, your solicitor may take out an insurance policy on your behalf. If you terminate the agreement, you may have to pay fees for the time already spent on your claim, or due to: lack of cooperation, misleading your solicitor, missing medical or expert examinations, or not attending court hearings.
There are some instances where you are not required to use the services of a claims management company, and are able to claim yourself, for free, directly via the relevant ombudsman/compensation scheme. These include:
- Criminal injuries: The Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (England, Wales, and Scotland) or the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme (Northern Ireland)
- Minor road accidents: The Official Injury Claim Portal
- Accidents involving uninsured drivers: The Motor Insurers' Bureau
Farm Accident Compensation Claims
Accidents on farms can happen when least expected, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a farming accident, through no fault of your own, you could be eligible to claim compensation to aid your recovery.
Call now on 0800 234 6438
Farm accident compensation claim
Farming is a vital industry, but it comes with inherent risks due to farm machinery, livestock, falls, chemical exposure, and other hazards commonly present on farms. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that occurred on a farm, you have every right to seek financial compensation for the injuries and losses you may have suffered, particularly if the accident was caused by the negligence or fault of another party, such as the farm owner, an equipment manufacturer, or another worker.
Farm accident compensation claims can be complex and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. The outcome of farm accident claims depends on factors such as the strength of your evidence, the extent of negligence, and the impact the injuries you’ve sustained have had on your quality of life. But we’re here to make your life easier by partnering you with specialist personal injury solicitors who will work with you on a no win no fee basis to secure you the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved on has been injured in the last three years in an agricultural accident and it wasn’t your fault, get in touch today. To find out more about making a farm accident claim, or to begin a farming accident claim, call 0800 234 6438 today and speak to a trained legal advisor who will give you free, impartial advice about pursuing a farm injury claim.
Am I eligible to make a farm accident claim?
Generally speaking, if you’ve been injured in a farming accident to make a claim you need to be able to prove:
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The farm accident happened within the last three years, or you first became aware of an illness or injury caused by working at a farm, or being on a farm, within the last three years,
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And that this illness or injury was caused as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Farm owners and managers have a legal duty of care towards farm workers
In the UK, as stated in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all employers, including farm owners and managers, have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of others. In the context of agriculture, this means that farm owners and managers have a responsibility to take all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health and safety of their employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by their agricultural activities.
This includes things like:
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Maintaining safe working conditions on the farm
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Carrying out risk assessments to identify and manage potential hazards on the farm
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Developing and implementing appropriate health and safety policies and procedures
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Providing adequate training, instruction, and supervision to ensure that workers can carry out their work safely
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Providing suitable equipment and machinery
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Providing training on how to use machinery safely
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Providing personal protective equipment and clothing, such as gloves and goggles
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Keeping walkways clear of hazards
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Providing first aid facilities
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Ensuring that animals are handled safely
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Monitoring the weather and taking steps to protect workers from extreme heat or cold
If a farm owner or manager fails to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of their workers or visitors to the farm, they could be held liable for any injuries or illnesses that result.
Common causes of farm accidents
There are so many reasons why an agricultural accident might occur, for example:
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Lack of training and experience: Inadequate training and insufficient experience with farm equipment and tasks can lead to accidents. Operating machinery without proper knowledge of its functions, controls, and safety features increases the risk of mishaps.
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Fatigue and overexertion: Long hours of physically demanding work, often without adequate breaks, can lead to fatigue and decreased concentration. Fatigued workers are more prone to making mistakes and are at a higher risk of accidents.
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Poor maintenance and equipment malfunctions: Neglecting regular maintenance of farm equipment and machinery can result in malfunctions or breakdowns during operation. These unexpected failures can lead to accidents and injuries.
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Inadequate safety procedures: Failing to follow established safety protocols and procedures increases the likelihood of accidents. Ignoring safety guidelines related to machinery operation, chemical handling, and general farm practices can lead to dangerous situations.
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Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE): Not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as helmets, gloves, and safety goggles, leaves workers vulnerable to injuries caused by flying debris, chemicals, and other hazards.
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Ignoring hazard warnings: Ignoring warning signs and hazard markings around machinery, equipment, or chemicals can result in accidents. Proper signage helps alert individuals to potential dangers and should not be disregarded.
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Distractions: Farm environments can be busy and noisy, with numerous tasks happening simultaneously. Being distracted while operating machinery or handling equipment can lead to errors and accidents.
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Inadequate supervision: Lack of proper supervision, especially for less-experienced workers or during tasks involving potentially dangerous equipment, can contribute to accidents.
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Inexperience with animals: Handling livestock without proper knowledge and experience can lead to animal-related accidents, such as kicks, bites, or being trampled.
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Unsafe work practices: Engaging in risky behaviours, such as horseplay, not using proper tools, or taking shortcuts, can result in accidents and injuries.
Common farm accidents
Machinery accidents
Machinery accidents are common on farms and can involve various types of equipment, such as tractors, combines, plows, and harvesters. These accidents can occur due to mechanical failures, lack of proper training, or inadequate maintenance practices. Malfunctions, operator errors, and unstable terrain can all contribute to these incidents.
Slips, trips and falls
Farms often have uneven surfaces, mud, and debris, which can lead to slips, trips, and falls. These types of accidents can happen when workers or visitors lose their footing on wet or slippery surfaces, leading to injuries such as fractures, sprains, and head injuries. If you’re working at height, it increases the risk of a fall from height.
Animal-related incidents
While farm animals are integral to farming operations, they can also present risks. Farm workers might be kicked, bitten, or trampled by livestock such as cows, horses, or pigs. Even domesticated animals can become unpredictable in certain situations, leading to severe injuries.
Chemical exposures
Farming involves the use of various chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Accidental exposure to these substances due to spills, improper handling, or inadequate protective measures can lead to acute health problems and long-term health issues, such as respiratory problems, skin conditions, and even cancer.
Structural collapses
Farm buildings, barns, and other structures can deteriorate over time due to weather, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance. These structures may suddenly collapse, posing a serious risk to farmers and workers who are in or around them at the time.
Vehicle accidents
Vehicles used on farms, such as trucks, tractors, and ATVs, can be involved in accidents. Collisions, rollovers, and accidents caused by lack of visibility or driver error can lead to injuries for operators and bystanders.
Manual handling accidents
Farm workers frequently engage in manual tasks involving lifting, carrying, and moving heavy objects. Improper lifting techniques, inadequate training, and overestimating one’s physical capabilities can result in accidents causing strains, sprains, and back injuries. Proper training in manual handling techniques and the use of assistive tools can mitigate the risk of such accidents.
Entanglement accidents
Entanglement accidents occur when loose clothing, long hair, or improperly secured accessories inadvertently come into contact with rotating or moving components. For instance, if a worker wears loose-fitting garments while operating a piece of machinery like a combine harvester, there is a risk that these items might get caught in the machine’s mechanisms. This can cause sudden jerking movements, leading to injuries such as amputations, fractures, severe lacerations, and even fatalities.
If the type of accident you suffered isn’t listed here, don’t worry, these are just a few examples. If you’ve been injured in the last three years, call 0800 234 6438 today and find out if you could make a claim.
Common injuries typically sustained in farm accidents
Farm accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity based on the nature of the incident. Some common types of injuries sustained in farm accidents include:
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Fractures and broken bones: Falls from heights, machinery accidents, and animal-related incidents can lead to fractures and broken bones. These injuries can require medical attention, immobilisation, and rehabilitation.
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Lacerations and abrasions: Contact with sharp objects, tools, or machinery components can cause cuts, lacerations, and abrasions. These injuries can range from minor to severe, potentially requiring stitches or medical intervention.
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Amputations: Farm machinery with moving parts poses a risk of limb entanglement, which can result in traumatic amputations. These injuries are severe and can lead to long-term disabilities.
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Head injuries and concussions: Falls from height, vehicle accidents, and impacts from objects can cause head injuries, including concussions. Proper head protection is crucial to prevent such injuries.
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Spinal injuries: Falls from heights or accidents involving heavy equipment can lead to spinal injuries, ranging from sprains to more severe damage that may result in paralysis.
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Crush injuries: Getting caught between machinery or vehicles and hard surfaces can cause crush injuries, resulting in severe tissue damage, fractures, and internal injuries.
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Burns: Accidents involving chemical exposure, fires, or hot surfaces can lead to burns, which can range from minor to life-threatening depending on the extent and severity.
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Chemical exposure injuries: Handling and coming into contact with hazardous chemicals can lead to skin irritations, respiratory problems, and other health issues.
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Eye injuries: Particles, debris, or chemicals can cause eye injuries, ranging from minor irritations to more serious damage that may lead to vision loss.
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Injuries from animal encounters: Farm animals can cause bites, kicks, and other injuries that might result in bruises, cuts, or fractures.
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Heat-related illnesses: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
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Respiratory injuries: Exposure to dust, chemicals, and fumes on farms can lead to respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and even chronic lung diseases.
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Electrocutions: Accidental contact with live electrical sources, such as farm equipment or power lines, can result in electrical burns and internal injuries.
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Musculoskeletal injuries: Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and overexertion can lead to musculoskeletal injuries like strains, sprains, and chronic pain.
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Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from falls, machinery accidents, or vehicle collisions can cause internal injuries to organs and body structures.
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Farmer’s lung: Farmer’s lung, also known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, is a type of respiratory condition that occurs when your immune system reacts to the inhalation of certain organic dust particles found in agricultural settings, such as farms, where you’re routinely exposed to moulds, bacteria, fungi, and other allergens present in hay, straw, and other organic materials.
If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligent behaviour, you shouldn’t have to pay for their neglect. Call 0800 234 6438 today and make a personal injury claim to secure the compensation you deserve.
Why seek compensation for a farm accident
If you’ve been injured in a farm accident, it can have far-reaching physical, emotional, and financial impacts. Seeking compensation for a farm accident is one way to address these consequences and ensure you receive the appropriate support you need.
Claiming compensation after a farm accident is not only about recovering financial losses but also about ensuring justice, and holding those who had a legal duty of care towards you accountable for their negligence. It can also help you rebuild your life and face the challenges posed by unexpected injuries. For example:
Medical expenses
Farm accidents often lead to injuries that require medical treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation. Compensation can help cover any medical expenses you need to pay, ensuring you receive all necessary care without bearing the financial burden. Compensation can also cover the costs of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation necessary to regain functionality and independence.
Lost income and earning capacity
Many farm accidents result in temporary or even permanent disabilities that prevent you from working and earning a livelihood. Compensation can help offset the income lost due to time off work, as well as potential future earnings if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities.
Pain and suffering
Beyond physical injuries, farm accidents can cause significant pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish, impacting your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. Compensation aims to provide relief for the pain and suffering you’ve endured and for the loss of enjoyment of life experienced as a result of the accident.
Home adaptations
If you’ve been disabled following your accident, or left impaired, you could require assistive devices, modifications to living spaces, and ongoing care to help you adapt to your new circumstances.
Preventing future incidents
Seeking compensation can also encourage responsible parties, such as farm owners or equipment manufacturers, to take safety measures and improve practices to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Hold negligent parties accountable
Finally, where negligence or fault contributed to your accident, seeking compensation holds those responsible parties accountable for their actions or lack thereof, promoting accountability and safer practices.
Will I get fired if I make a claim?
In a word, no. You will not get fired for making a farm accident claim.
In the UK, employment law provides certain protections to ensure employees are not unfairly penalised for seeking compensation after being injured at work. The law states that employers cannot discriminate against or dismiss employees solely because they have made a legitimate compensation claim.
This protection is outlined in various employment regulations, such as the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010.
Under UK law, your employer must have a valid and justifiable reason for terminating your employment, and making a compensation claim is not a valid reason. They’re also not allowed to take any negative actions against you due to your compensation claim, and if they do, it could be considered victimisation.
Also no, you won’t create an additional expense for your employer by making a claim either. All employers in the UK, including farm owners, are legally required to to have liability insurance for their business, which, in the event of a claim will cover the cost of your compensation.
I’m a self employed farm worker, can I still claim compensation?
Yes, as a self-employed farm worker, you may still be eligible to claim compensation if you’ve been injured in a farm accident. While the process might have some differences compared to an employee-employer relationship, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries sustained while working on a farm. The same is true if you’re employed part time, or if you have a zero hours contract.
Remember, your health and well-being should always come first. If you’ve been injured in a farm accident, seeking compensation is about obtaining the support you need for recovery and addressing any financial burdens that may arise as a result of the accident.
To find out more about farm accident claims, or to begin a claim call 0800 234 6438 today and speak to a trained legal advisor. If they believe you have a claim to make, they’ll partner you with specialist personal injury solicitors who will work on a no win no fee basis to secure you the full compensation amount you deserve.
What to do if you’ve been injured in a farm accident
Experiencing a farm accident can be a distressing and overwhelming situation. Your safety and well-being are top priorities, so here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you’ve been injured in a farm accident:
- Seek medical attention: Your health comes first. If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to have a medical professional assess your condition to ensure there are no hidden or delayed complications. When seeking medical attention, let your healthcare provider know your injuries are the result of a farm accident. This information can be important for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Plus, having the injuries noted on your medical records will help with your claim.
- Notify others: Inform someone on the farm about the accident as soon as possible. This could be a supervisor, co-worker, or the farm owner. They can provide assistance, ensure your safety, and help with necessary arrangements. Also, inform your employer or contracting party about the accident and your injuries. If possible, do this in writing and keep a copy for your records.
- Document the scene: If it’s safe to do so, document the accident scene. Take photos or videos that show the conditions, machinery, equipment, and any relevant factors that might have contributed to the accident.
- Gather information: Collect names and contact information of any witnesses who were present during the accident. Their statements might be crucial for understanding what happened and supporting your personal injury claim.
- Preserve evidence: Keep any clothing, equipment, or other items that were involved in the accident. These items might serve as evidence if you decide to pursue a compensation claim.
- Keep detailed records: Maintain a record of all medical treatments, prescriptions, therapies, expenses, and communication related to the accident. These records will be crucial if you decide to pursue compensation.
How much compensation could I claim?
No two farm accident claims are the same, so we can’t say exactly how much compensation you could be entitled to. In general, the amount of compensation you could claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the specific circumstances of the accident. Compensation amounts can also be influenced by legal factors, such as liability and negligence.
When determining the amount of compensation you could claim for, your personal injury solicitor will consult the Judicial College Guidelines which outline a list of injuries and compensation levels, as well as consider the two main categories of special damages and general damages.
Special damages
Special damages refer to the specific financial losses and expenses you’ve incurred due to the accident. These can include:
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Medical expenses: Compensation for costs related to medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and therapies.
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Lost earnings: Compensation for income you’ve lost due to time off work during your recovery. This includes past and future lost earnings if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
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Transportation costs: Compensation for travel expenses to and from medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other necessary visits.
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Property damage: Compensation for damage to personal property, such as clothing, equipment, or personal items, that occurred during the accident.
General damages
General damages are more challenging to quantify as they encompass non-financial losses that impact your quality of life. These can include:
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Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on your well-being.
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Loss of enjoyment: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed due to your injuries.
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Emotional distress: Compensation for psychological and emotional effects stemming from the accident and its aftermath.
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Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationships and the resulting loss of companionship or support for your loved ones.
Three year time limit for claiming farm accident compensation
The general time limit for claiming farm accident compensation in the UK is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the accident results in an illness that takes some time to manifest, the time limit will start from the date your illness is diagnosed. Additionally, the time limit may be extended if you were a child at the time of the accident.
It is important to note that these are just general time limits. There may be other factors that affect the time limit in your particular case.
Why make a farm accident claim through www.NoWinNoFee.com
Deciding to make a compensation claim after a farm accident is a significant step, and choosing the right path can make all the difference in your journey to recovery. When you submit your claim through www.NoWinNoFee.com this means you won’t have to pay any upfront fees or legal costs. Your legal fees are only payable if your claim is successful, giving you peace of mind during an already challenging time.
Ultimately, making a farm accident claim through www.NoWinNoFee.com can offer you the expertise, support, and financial protection needed to pursue your rightful compensation. Your focus should be on your recovery, and by choosing a trusted partner like www.NoWinNoFee.com, you can confidently work towards rebuilding your life after a challenging incident.
Call 0800 234 6438 today and speak to a trained legal advisor for free, impartial advice. If they believe you have a claim to make, they’ll partner you with experienced personal injury solicitors who will work to secure you the compensation you deserve for your farm injuries, so you can get back on with your life.
