Agricultural Worker Injuries: A Look at the Statistics & Facts (Pt. 3)

Wrapping up our three-part blog series Agricultural Worker Injuries: A Look at the Statistics & Facts, here, we will take a closer look at some of the more common causes of agricultural worker injuries, as well as injured people’s options for financial recovery after suffering these injuries.

Causes of Agricultural Worker Injuries: When Negligence Is Involved

Although agricultural worker injuries can be caused by any number of different factors, some of the more common causes that can involve negligence include (but are by no means limited to): 

• The failure to properly use farm equipment and heavy machinery – This can result from the negligence of other workers (who may not have taken the time read the directions before using equipment) and/or companies that employ farm workers (and that should properly train these workers on how to use farm equipment).
• The failure to properly maintain farm equipment – This can involve the negligence of the equipment owner who is responsible for the upkeep and safety of his farming equipment.
• Defective or dangerous farm equipment – In these cases, the manufacturer of the dangerous or defective equipment can be deemed to have been negligent, especially if that manufacturer was aware of the risks and failed to warn the public about them.

There can be a number of other forms of negligence that may contribute to agricultural worker injuries, so it’s advised that injured farm workers consult with our trusted attorneys to learn more about whether negligence may have played a role in causing their injuries.

After Agricultural Worker Injuries: Options for Compensation

After people sustain serious or even life-threatening agricultural worker injuries, they may have a few different options for pursuing financial recovery, depending (of course) on the details of their accident. In particular, the two main options for obtaining compensation after sustaining agricultural worker injuries include:

• Pursuing workers compensation claims – When the injured people themselves may have played a role in causing their own injuries, their best option for financial recovery will likely be pursuing a workers compensation claim. This is because Illinois has a no-fault workers compensation system, so injured people can obtain benefits even if they may have caused their work injuries.
• Filing a lawsuit against the negligent party – When some other party (like a party other than an injured worker’s employer) was negligent and caused agricultural worker injuries, then filing a lawsuit against that party can be another option for financial recovery.

Mount Vernon Workers Compensation Lawyers at the Law Firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C.

Have you or a loved one been hurt at work? If so, the experienced and trusted Mount Vernon workers compensation lawyers at the Law Firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. are ready to stand up for your rights.

If you are ready to learn more about your best legal options and how we can help you, contact us by calling (888) 896-9381 or by emailing us using the form at the upper right-hand side of the page. We can provide you with a free, thorough assessment of your case, along with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to move forward.