Farm Accidents Compensation
Free Claim Guide

Though the majority of people would acknowledge that work in the farming and agriculture industries is hard and labour intensive, most do not consider it dangerous. They imagine that the long hours tending land and livestock is somehow an honest and healthy way to make a living.

Honest labour it may be, but it is not always particularly healthy. In terms of being a dangerous way to make a living, agriculture is right up there with the construction industry.

Farm accidents are extremely commonplace and there are several diseases and chronic health conditions associated with farm work. If you have fallen victim to a farm accident injury or related health problem you should speak to a solicitor as soon as possible. Our free advice line will put you in touch with an experienced farm claims lawyer with whom you can discuss your case. He can answer questions related to your claim validity and possible compensation payout levels.

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Causes of Farm Accidents,Injuries and Ill Health

The size and complexity of farm machinery claims many lives and causes many injuries. The year 2009 began with a farm worker in Tipperary falling head first into a feeder machine. That year, several more lives were lost when workers got crushed under or between farm vehicles or asphyxiated when using them in confined spaces.

A panicked horse, cow or bull can kill a man, but even working alongside livestock has its dangers. Several diseases like Brucellosis, Weils disease and Toxoplasmosis are associated with animal husbandry. Then there is the potential for broken bones or broken skin and bacterial infection should a farm worker be kicked or bitten by one of the animals in his care.

Chronic skin and respiratory problems may be associated with the chemicals used in sheep dipping or land management and constant exposure to excessive noise can permanently damage hearing. Some of the most common accidents in agriculture are caused by the most simple of reasons – an untidy farmyard which leads to trips and falls.

Surprisingly, given the public perception of farming being a profession that promotes a feeling of satisfaction and well-being, depression and occupational stress is not uncommon in the farming community. Financial worries, loneliness and poor or even dangerous working conditions are often cited as stressors. Some of the causes of stress could be actually directly or indirectly result in compensation claims.

Making a Claim for Farm Accident Compensation

Farm workers are due the same protection as workers in any other industry. Their employer has a duty of care to provide a safe working environment. In fact, farm owners are responsible for the safety, health and welfare of their employees, any contractors, casual or part time workers, trainees, neighbours, and their own family members. This means that you do not have to be employed as a farm hand in order to make a compensation claim for an injury caused on a farm.

Contributory Negligence

Farm workers are sometimes partly to blame for the accidents in which they are hurt. Working heavy machinery when tired, operating farm equipment without due caution, cutting corners with safety procedures in order to save time - there are many ways in which a farm accident victim can be partially responsible for his injuries.

Among other things, under Health and Safety Regulations, an employee has the responsibility to take due care of themselves and others, use the protective equipment provided by employers, report hazards to their employer and follow training and instructions they have been given.

In cases where a farm worker’s actions have contributed to an accident, the extent of his involvement is expressed as a percentage and is called his contributory negligence.

For example, a farm worker whose contributory negligence was judged to be 25% of the cause of an accident which broke his leg would have his compensation payment reduced by 25%.

Whether there is any contributory negligence or not, a competent claims solicitor will help a farm accident victim prepare the most solid case for compensation. Engaging a solicitor is the best way to ensure full compensation for pain and suffering, material loss, out-of-pocket expenses and current or future loss of earnings.

Regulations in the Republic of Ireland state that in contentious business,
a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.