Injured on a farm?

If you have been injured while visiting or working on a farm and somebody else was at fault, you could be entitled to make a farm accident compensation claim

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farm accident claims

Farm Injury Claims

Farms and farmers play a vital role in most countries around the world. The UK farming industry is no exception, producing fantastic products and being an essential part of the economy year after year.

Unfortunately, the agricultural industry is one of the most dangerous occupations, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It has the worst rate of worker fatal injury of all the top industry sectors. In 2022/23, 27 people died in farm-related accidents.

If you have been involved in an accident on a farm and believe that somebody else was at fault, you could make a claim for personal injury compensation. The solicitors we work with have experience helping people throughout the UK claim for various accident types, including those within the agricultural industry.

To find out if you can make a farm accident claim, please call 0800 470 0474 today for a free case assessment with a solicitor or request a call back. This is an informal chat where you can talk about the circumstances of your accident and the injuries you have sustained to determine if you are able to claim compensation. This service is provided without any pressure or obligation to proceed further.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

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    By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

    Can I claim farm accident compensation?

    If you or a loved one were involved in a farm accident, you might be able to start an injury claim. The best way to determine whether you could claim compensation is by seeking advice from a personal injury solicitor. They will ask you several questions about your agricultural accident to determine whether:

    • Your accident at work was due to someone else’s negligence
    • They owed you a legal duty of care, which they breached
    • You suffered an injury or injuries as a result

    Please remember that you must typically start a personal injury claim within three years from the date of your accident. Your solicitor will be able to establish a legal duty of care by referring to workplace legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

    It is not only workers who could make a compensation claim. You may still be eligible for compensation if you suffered injuries as a visitor on a farm. Over recent years, more and more farms have opened their door to the public by introducing farm shops, cafes, and educational experiences such as petting zoos. This also puts citizens at risk of being injured in a farm accident. The farm owner may be liable for damages under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.

    If you can make a farm accident compensation claim, your solicitor will offer you a no win no fee* service. That means there are no upfront costs, and if you do not win your case, you will not be charged any fee from your solicitor.

    What evidence do I need to support a farming accident claim?

    If you suffered injuries due to a farm accident that was someone else’s fault, a personal injury solicitor could help you claim compensation for your pain and suffering. They will need as much evidence as possible to prove how the accident occurred and the farm injuries you sustained. Based on your case, this could be:

    • Photographs of the accident scene and what caused your injuries;
    • Pictures of any visible trauma that you suffered as a result;
    • Medical records from your GP or a hospital to prove the type and extent of the injuries you suffered;
    • The names and contact details of any witnesses who could state how the events that led to your injuries occurred;
    • An accident report filed with your employer will help establish the location and date of the accident;
    • CCTV footage, if the accident was captured on a security camera;
    • Your notes about how the accident occurred, your recovery process and how this has affected your life;
    • Financial records of the losses and expenses you incurred will also help determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

    Your solicitor will evaluate any evidence you already have and help you gather everything you need to make a successful compensation claim.

     Employer duty of care towards farm workers

    Like in any other workplace, employers have a legal duty of care towards their employees. This duty is established by various pieces of legislation, such as:

    These and other regulations state that the farm owner or the person responsible for its running must take all reasonable steps to keep accidents from happening, such as:

    • Conduct regular inspections to identify and address hazards, such as dangerous farm machinery, chemicals, or uneven terrain;
    • Provide proper training to farm workers;
    • Ensure that warning signs are displayed in hazardous areas;
    • Maintain farm vehicles and machinery in good working order;
    • Explain any possible risks to employees and provide information on how to avoid them;
    • Provide necessary safety equipment, such as helmets, gloves and hearing protection, free of charge;
    • If chemicals are used on the farm, provide workers with proper training on their safe handling, storage, and disposal;
    • Ensure that adequate first aid facilities and emergency response plans are in place;
    • Provide regular breaks to rest and avoid overexertion injuries;
    • In case of accidents or near misses, investigate the cause and take corrective action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

    If you have suffered injuries due to an accident on a farm that was your employer’s fault, you might be entitled to compensation. To find out if you can start a farm injury claim, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser.

    Will I lose my job if I make a farm injury claim?

    If you were injured due to your employer’s negligence, it is your legal right to claim for a farm accident. You should not be sacked, discriminated against, or treated differently due to your claim. You are legally protected against any retaliation by unfair and constructive dismissal laws.

    Being sacked for making a claim would be classed as unfair dismissal. Constructive dismissal means you had to leave your job against your will due to your employer’s conduct. Examples include:

    • They did not pay you
    • They changed your work schedule or cut your working hours
    • They harassed you or let other employees bully you

    In any of these circumstances, a solicitor can help you take further legal action at an employment tribunal. The tribunal will investigate your case and either award you compensation, order your employer to reinstate you or take any other corrective measures.

    Employers are also legally bound to take out liability insurance against personal injuries to employees. If you make a successful work accident claim against your employer, their insurance company will pay your compensation award, and they will not be left out of pocket.

    Farms can be dangerous places to work, with many potential hazards that could result in various accidents and injuries. If you work on a farm, you will likely be around vehicles and heavy machinery, livestock such as cows and sheep, chemicals, and potentially working from heights. These jobs may also involve a significant degree of manual handling tasks, which carry the risk of injury to the back, neck and other body parts.

    With so many potential dangers, farm owners and employers must be vigilant and comply with health and safety regulations to keep their employees as safe as possible.

    Here are some of the most common causes of farm-related accidents:

    Accidents involving farm vehicles

    You will often find various vehicles on a farm, including tractors, combine harvesters, lorries, quad bikes, 4×4 cars and forklift trucks. If not used correctly, these vehicles can put the driver, passengers and other people working nearby in harm’s way.

    Machinery accidents

    Heavy machinery is used throughout the farming industry to perform various jobs. Whenever equipment is used in the workplace, there is a severe risk of injury if your employer fails to comply with the legislation. In fact, according to the National Farmers Union (NFU), four out of the 21 people who died on a farm in 2022/23 were involved in a machinery accident. Accidents can be due to a lack of adequate training, machinery that is not in good condition or faulty, or farm machinery that does not have the necessary safety devices.

    Falls from height

    Working on a farm can often involve some work from height, which naturally carries the risk of injury from falling. Employees could fall from ladders, raised platforms, trees or through the roof of a farm building during repair work. The injuries sustained by these types of accidents can be life-changing and even fatal.

    Dangerous livestock

    Many farm animals can be dangerous and cause injuries to workers. Large animals, such as cows, sheep, and pigs, can cause damage by kicking, biting, trampling and crushing workers against fences and gates. Some of these injuries could be prevented using relevant PPE, such as safety boots.

    Falling objects

    Falling objects on farms can include falling trees, hay bales, and bags of fertiliser or animal feed. If items stored at height, such as bales of hay, for example, are not appropriately stacked or are knocked over by a tractor, they could cause serious injury to any person working below.

    Chemicals and hazardous substances

    Many chemicals and hazardous substances, such as pesticides and fertilisers, are used on farms. If these are not handled properly, they can result in accidents and injuries. Moreover, it is also essential that workers receive adequate training on how to manage these substances correctly and receive appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and protective eyewear.

    Regardless of the cause of your injuries, if they were due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to start a farm accident claim for compensation.

    Common injuries caused by an accident on a farm

    Accidents on farms can result in a wide range of injuries and illnesses, some of which can be pretty severe. Common injuries caused by farm accidents include:

    • Lacerations and cuts. Sharp tools, equipment, or debris can cause scratches and tears. These injuries can range from minor to severe, requiring stitches or surgery.
    • Broken bones. Falls, machinery accidents, or heavy objects can lead to broken bones. They often require medical attention, including casting or surgery.
    • Crush injuries. Farm equipment and machinery can pose crush hazards. When a body part gets trapped or caught, it can lead to serious crush injuries, often affecting limbs.
    • Head injuries. Falls, falling objects, or vehicle accidents can result in head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have long-term consequences.
    • Back injuries. Lifting heavy objects or repetitive movements can cause back injuries, including sprains, strains, or herniated discs.
    • Amputations. Farm equipment and machinery with moving parts can cause amputations or partial amputations in severe accidents.
    • Chemical burns. Exposure to pesticides, fertilisers, or other chemicals used on farms can result in chemical burns or poisoning if not handled properly.
    • Respiratory issues. Dust, allergens, or gases on farms can contribute to respiratory problems. These include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
    • Heat-related illnesses. Working in hot and humid conditions can lead to heat-related injuries like heat exhaustion or stroke.
    • Animal-related injuries. Farm animals can be unpredictable and cause bites, kicks, or other damage. Larger livestock can pose significant risks.
    • Electrical shocks. Electrical equipment on farms can malfunction, leading to electrical shocks and burns.
    • Hearing loss. Exposure to loud machinery and equipment without proper hearing protection can result in hearing loss over time.
    • Sprains and strains. Overexertion, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive tasks can lead to musculoskeletal injuries like sprains and strains.
    • Eye injuries. Debris, chemicals, or flying objects can cause eye injuries. Eye protection is crucial when working on a farm.
    • Infections. Cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds can become infected, especially in agricultural environments with constant exposure to bacteria.

    Farm accidents can have significant consequences, including long-term disability and the inability to work. If another party was responsible for your harm, you could make a farm accident compensation claim.

    Can I claim as a self-employed farm worker?

    Farm workers are often self-employed and are contracted by bigger businesses. In this case, if you become injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may still be eligible for compensation. The owner or operator of the farm still has a duty to provide a safe working environment and implement safety measures and the correct training.

    Alternatively, if a particular business you are working for has contracted you long-term, they may be responsible for your well-being on the job. Your injury lawyer will be able to determine who may be liable for compensation in this case.

    Is there a time limit to start a claim for a farm accident?

    Under the Limitation Act 1980, you should start the claims process within three years of your accident. This rule applies to cases when your injury is immediately visible, such as after a head wound, laceration or broken bones. If an injury develops over a long period, the limitation date will begin from the date of diagnosis (date of knowledge).

    Several exceptions apply to the typical limitation period:

    • If a child suffered an injury on a farm, the three-year time limit only begins on their 18th birthday. Afterwards, they have until turning 21 to claim compensation.
    • The time limit is suspended if the injured party lacks the mental capacity to make a claim for compensation. In this case, a litigation friend could claim on their behalf anytime after the accident.
    • You have three years to claim for a fatal accident on a farm starting from when your loved one died.
    • If you suffered injuries due to faulty machinery or equipment, you could be entitled to claim against the product manufacturer. In this case, you have three years from when the defect was discovered to start proceedings.

    Generally, the sooner you start a farming accident claim, the better. That will give your solicitor enough time to investigate your case and gather relevant evidence to prove liability and the extent of your suffering. If you wait too long, you may miss the deadline, making your claim time-barred.

    How much compensation can I claim?

    If you are considering making a farm injury claim, you may wonder how much compensation you are entitled to. This figure will depend on several aspects of your case, such as:

    • How the accident was caused and whether you had any part of the blame
    • The type and severity of the injuries you suffered
    • Your related financial losses and expenses
    • The long-term care and rehabilitation you may need
    • How the injuries have affected your life and family

    At the beginning of the claim, your lawyer will assess all your losses to calculate the compensation you should receive. Two types of damages will determine this:

    Special damages are awarded for your specific financial losses and expenses resulting from an accident that was not your fault. These may include:

    • The cost of private medical treatment and surgery
    • Prescriptions and rehabilitation
    • Lost earnings during the recovery period
    • Loss of earning capacity
    • Travel expenses related to medical appointments or treatment
    • The cost of care and assistance with daily tasks
    • Medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hearing aids
    • Modifications to your home or vehicle to assist a disability

    General damages are awarded for the non-financial losses and intangible harm resulting from the accident and may include:

    • Physical pain and suffering
    • Mental and emotional trauma
    • Scarring and disfigurement
    • Loss of consortium or companionship
    • Reduced quality of life
    • Lost ability to engage in sports or hobbies
    • Loss of enjoyment of life

    In every claim, special damages are calculated based on evidence such as hospital bills, receipts and invoices. The award for general damages is decided based on guidelines from the Judicial College. You can use our compensation calculator to see how much your claim could be worth.

    Do personal injury lawyers offer a No Win No Fee service?

    If you have a valid farming accident claim, you will receive a 100% no win no fee service from the solicitors we work with. This arrangement allows you to start legal proceedings with the help of a personal injury lawyer, regardless of your financial situation.

    In a no win no fee claim, you do not have to pay anything upfront, and there are no hidden costs. You only pay a success fee for legal representation if your claim is successful. This fee must be at most 25% of your settlement and is agreed upon from the beginning.

    With their legal experience, your lawyer will maximise your chances of making a successful claim and getting the compensation you deserve. They will also take After the Event (ATE) insurance on your behalf, so you will pay no legal charges if your claim fails. The ATE will cover all your costs and disbursement in this case, including:

    • Court and counsel fees
    • Medical reports
    • Expert witness fees
    • Travel expenses
    • The defendant’s costs and solicitors
    • Barrister fees if the case goes to court

    Under this agreement, you only pay anything after receiving farm accident compensation. Your deductions include the cost of the ATE premium and the success fee you pay to your lawyer.

    Find out if you have a valid farm accident compensation claim.

    Like with any other workplace, if you have been injured in a farm-related accident that was not your fault, you could receive compensation for your injuries. Your solicitor will offer their services on a no win no fee basis. If they are unable to win your case, you will not pay them a penny.

    To find out if you have a valid claim and receive some free legal advice, contact an experienced solicitor today for a free consultation. You will be asked a few simple questions about your farming accident, such as what and when it happened and what type of injury you have suffered. This information will help your solicitor determine if your case has merit.

    If you would like to arrange a free case assessment, please call 0800 470 0474 today or enter your details into our online claim form to receive a call back. You will find out within minutes if you can start a no win no fee claim.