Farming and agriculture is a quiet but vitally important industry that keeps the country moving. However, it brings with it challenges and risks that, without proper care by employers, could become dangers for employees or even the public. Farm owners have a responsibility to protect every person on their premises and must take precautions to ensure health and safety at all times as part of their duty of care.
If you believe that duty of care was breached and you have been injured as a result of a farming accident, you could be owed compensation — that’s where Injury Lawyers 4U come in. We’ll take on the defendant in your case and fight on your behalf for the justice you deserve, all using our no win, no fee promise.
What are the common types of farm accidents?
Farms can involve heavy machinery, vehicles, animals and even hazardous materials — this makes them high-risk environments, even for the initiated. Despite strict health and safety regulations, accidents still occur — often because proper precautions haven’t been taken.
The most common types of farm accident are:
- Machinery and vehicle accidents — This could be the mishandling of tractors, combine harvesters or other heavy equipment that can cause crushing or trauma.
- Slips, trips and falls — These could be caused by wet, slippery or uneven surfaces around the farm.
- Falling objects — This might be caused by unsafe stacking or unsecured equipment.
- Animal related incidents — This could be loose, aggressive or improperly restrained livestock that might endanger workers or visitors.
- Chemical and gas exposure — This could be when pesticides, fertilisers or gas leaks from equipment and leads to poisoning or respiratory issues.
What are some common injuries sustained in a farm accident?
Farm accidents can lead to a range of injuries. Some of the most common examples are:
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Farmer’s lung — a respiratory condition from prolonged exposure to organic dust
- Asbestos-related conditions
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries on a farm, our team can help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
How much compensation could I get for my farm accident?
The compensation you should hope to receive for a farm accident will vary according to the severity of your injuries and their effect on your life. To find out what you could be owed in general damages, use our personal injury compensation calculator. However, keep in mind that your total compensation could be significantly higher when special damages are taken into account. Speak to Injury Lawyers 4U today to find out the total amount you could be eligible to claim.
What are the time limits for making a farm accident claim?
As with most personal injury claims in the UK — you will only have three years to make a farm accident injury claim. The clock starts ticking from the date of your accident or the date you became aware that your injury was caused by negligence. As with asbestos related claims, when it comes to conditions like Farmer’s Lung — where symptoms may develop years later — the time limit starts when you’re diagnosed.
Can I make a farm accident claim if I’m self-employed?
If you are a self-employed person, you are entitled to the same safety protections as standard full-time employees. If you were injured due to negligence while working on a farm, you can still make a claim for compensation. This includes injuries caused by unsafe working conditions, poorly maintained equipment, or inadequate training.
What evidence do I need to make a farm accident claim?
After seeking medical treatment and reporting the accident to the farm owner, the next step is to gather evidence that proves negligence was at least partly responsible for the accident. Here is some of the evidence that will help build a strong case:
- Records from your farm’s accident book.
- Photos or footage showing the accident site and the hazard that caused it.
- Witness statements supporting your version of events.
- Independent medical assessments to document the extent of your injuries. We can assist with this.
- Evidence of the medical treatment you’ve received, along with a diary detailing your injury symptoms and medical appointments.
- Any documentation or receipts that show the financial losses you’ve suffered due to the injury.
When you speak to our expert team at Injury Lawyers 4U, we’ll ask for details of the accident and any evidence you can provide to support your claim. The sooner we view the evidence, the sooner we can begin processing your claim.
Can I lose my job if I make a farm accident claim against my employer?
UK law has legislation in place that protects employees from being dismissed for making a legitimate compensation claim. Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment — and if they fail, they are liable for the consequences.
We understand that making a claim against a workplace can be a difficult decision to make. Even so, there’s no need to feel reluctant if you have genuinely suffered an injury as a result of your employer’s negligence.
What should I do if I’ve been injured when visiting a farm?
Farm owners not only have a duty of care over their employees, they have a duty of care over any visitors too. That means that if you’ve been injured in a farming accident while passing through, you have just as much of a right to a compensation claim as a farm worker.
How do I make a farm accident claim?
The first step in a successful claim is getting in touch with Injury Lawyers 4U. We’re regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which ensures a professional and ethical approach to your claim. We also offer no win, no fee services — so there’s no financial risk in pursuing justice with us.
Our team will guide you through every stage of the process, from your initial consultation to negotiating compensation or going to court if necessary.
You can reach us directly on 0333 400 4445 or, if you’d prefer, please feel free to fill in the contact form to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.