A California farm accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and win maximum compensation for your farming injuries.
Farms and ranches can be dangerous places, with agricultural workers handling all kinds of dangerous tools and chemicals.
These facilities also contain tractors, harvesters, balers, and other massive machinery. Any accident involving high-risk or heavy-duty equipment is likely to result in catastrophic or deadly injuries.
- Over $900M won
- 99% success rate
- Seasoned trial lawyers
Our law firm handles farming accident and injury cases across California, including areas with a high concentration of farmland like Fresno and Monterey. We have a 99% success rate and have won more than $900 million for our clients.
Contact us now for a free consultation with no strings attached to find out if you have a case. Call (800) 561-4887 or send an inquiry through our website.
California Farm Accident Lawyer
How To Tell If You Have a Farm Injury Case
If you are a farmer or agricultural worker and have suffered an injury, you may have a legal case.
In most cases involving farm-related accidents, your legal options will depend on the circumstances surrounding your injuries. For instance, if a boss or coworker was negligent in causing an incident, it might be considered a workers’ compensation claim.
However, if a third party’s negligence is to blame for your injury, a California personal injury lawyer can assist you in obtaining fair compensation. The legal distinctions between these cases can be tricky, and the best step that you can take after an accident is to contact Bisnar Chase.
We have been handling personal injury claims for more than 46 years. Our success rate is 99%, and we have recovered more than $900 million for our clients over the decades. Contact us today for a free consultation with no obligations.
Our California farm injury lawyers will review your case and ensure you get help. If we cannot take your case, we will refer you to a trusted attorney who can.
Common Farming Accidents
The statistics show that farming is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Whether you are running the facility or working as a laborer, there are dangers everywhere.
The following are just some of the most frequent dangers faced by farm workers:
- Heavy Equipment: Tractors, harvesters, and many other machines carry all kinds of risks to those around them. They are large, have major blind spots, are difficult to control, and often feature sharp parts. Anyone coming into accidental contact with this machinery is likely to suffer a serious injury.
- Other Machinery: It’s not just the field treatment machines that create dangerous situations. Farm workers also have to deal with milking machines, food processing equipment, packaging machines, and much more.
- Hand-held Tools: It is not just the heavy machinery that can cause farm injuries. Smaller tools, such as picks, hoes, scythes, forks, mowers, chainsaws, and other common tools, can all cause accidents when misused.
- Dangerous Chemicals: All kinds of chemicals are used on farms to control and enhance growth. Depending on state and federal laws for the area, these can include pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, nitrates, and fungicides. Pesticide exposure and other chemical exposures can be extremely dangerous. Even manure gas on farms can be toxic.
- Storage and Containment: Fencing and facilities used for containment and storage on farms can be dangerous.
These scenarios refer specifically to farm accident injuries. Workers on farms are also susceptible to issues such as repetitive strain injuries, heat exhaustion, and extreme fatigue. However, these factors typically fall under the umbrella of agricultural employment lawsuits caused by employer negligence.
Dangerous Farm Equipment
The equipment required to work a farm successfully is extensive. It includes powered machines, as well as attachments that are fitted to tractors and pulled along. Common heavy machinery includes:
- Tractors.
- Harvesters.
- Swathers.
- Soil treatment, including cultipackers, cultivators, harrows, rollers, plows, land imprinters, pickers, subsoilers, and strip tills.
- Balers.
- Forklifts, loaders, and backhoes.
- Cutters, trimmers, and mulchers.
- Spreaders, sprayers, and other forms of fertilizer and pesticide dispensers.
Accidents frequently result from improper use of equipment, individual negligence, a general lack of safety precautions and regulations, or defective farm equipment.
If you were injured by dangerous farm equipment or a malfunction, call a California farm accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. Call 800-561-4887 today.
Tractor Accidents
Farmers spend a lot of time in tractors, and these versatile machines play a pivotal role in many day-to-day tasks. But tractors can also be dangerous.
The average weight of a farming tractor is over 5,000 lbs, with the heaviest models weighing closer to 7,000 lbs. That is, before you factor in the potentially lethal attachments that they are often fitted with.
There will always be risks when you have machinery weighing several tons that is cumbersome, difficult to control, and often operates on uncertain surfaces. Many larger tractors are fitted with Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS).
Roll bars or cages are designed to protect the operator if a tractor tips over. However, even rollover protective structures and similar safety devices cannot save agricultural workers from many common accidents.
Farming Injuries
In many cases, a farm accident injury will be severe in nature. If you get your arm caught in the rotating blades or gears of a harvester, the results are likely to be catastrophic. That is an extreme example, but farms across the United States have seen their own extreme cases.
Farming is inherently dangerous, and many farm workers have suffered injuries or had close calls. Common injuries sustained include:- Broken bones.
- Lacerations and flesh wounds.
- Sprains and strains.
- Crush injuries.
- Lost limbs, appendages, and associated amputations.
- Electric shocks and burns.
- Hip, knee, back, and neck injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Toxic chemical poisoning.
Farm Accidents Involving Animals
Many accidents on farms are caused by livestock, particularly those involving young victims. According to national data, 77% of global farming land is used for livestock, with 1.6 billion animals being raised in factory farms within the U.S.
Farm animals are unpredictable and move quickly and without warning. Most livestock-related farm injuries involve cattle and horses, but rams, pigs, and other animals can also cause damage.
Agricultural workers frequently sustain injuries as a result of animals charging, kicking, stamping, trampling, biting, or impaling them. They can also transmit diseases or cause accidents by darting during procedures.
If you’re unsure whether you have a valid case, call our California farm injury lawyers for a free case evaluation. 800-561-4887.
Farming Dangers in California
There are more than two million operational farms registered across the U.S., including over 70,000 farms in California alone. The average size of farms in California is 350 acres.
There is significant farming land in Northern California and Southern California, but the Central Valley is the state’s farming hub, with areas such as Fresno and Monterey known as key agricultural locations.
The state is responsible for producing dairy products (such as mil), grapes, almonds, lettuce, pistachios, strawberries, tomatoes, and carrots. California is also the main producer of various specialty crops, including artichokes, figs, olives, pomegranates, raisins, and walnuts.
But while farming is an integral part of the California economy, it has also caused countless serious accidents and injuries.
Farming Injury Statistics in California
A study looked at farm work-related injury incidents in Fresno and Monterey County. It collected reports over a five-year period, with more than 5,100 injuries recorded. The study found:
- Of the recorded injuries, 85% of farm accident victims were male, and 85% were of Hispanic origin.
- There were 319 injuries that were serious enough to require hospitalization and another 134 that were fatal.
- Incidents involving agricultural machines and tractors were the leading causes of fatalities.
- Overexertion (14%) and falls (11%) were the leading causes of injuries.
- A separate study in 2020 revealed that there were nearly 12,000 farm-related injuries across the United States. However, it was noted that farm accidents are massively underreported, and the real number is believed to be much higher.
If you have sustained an injury or have lost a loved one to a fatal accident, you need an experienced farm accident lawyer in California on your side. Contact Bisnar Chase now for a free case review.
What Should Farm Workers Do After an Accident?
We deal with all types of farm accident injury claims and are ready to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys have a track record of maximizing compensation for injury victims.
But knowing where to start after a farm-related accident can be tricky. Follow the steps below to protect your health and your rights.
- Seek medical attention. Your first step should always be to seek appropriate medical treatment. Call an ambulance or visit an emergency room if necessary. Even for lesser injuries, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Tell your employer. You must file a report of the accident with your employer. This is both to protect your own rights and to prevent anyone else from suffering a similar accident.
- Get prepared. Speak to anyone who witnessed the accident and ensure you have their contact information. Take pictures of your injuries regularly, as well as the scene of the accident and any defective equipment.
- Preserve equipment. After a farm equipment injury, do what you can to preserve any defective machinery involved in your accident.
- Contact Bisnar Chase. We will work with you every step of the way on an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
The aftermath of an accident is tough. But try to get in touch with our team as soon as possible. The quicker we get involved, the easier it is to investigate an accident.
Liability: Why Do Farm Accidents Happen and Who is Responsible?
We know that farming accidents happen frequently. But what are the most common causes of injuries on farms? And who is to blame?
Common causes of accidents include:
Malfunctioning or defective farm equipment due to design or manufacturing issues.
A lack of proper maintenance leading to farm equipment issues.
No safety guidance or warnings on equipment.
A lack of protective equipment, rules and protocols, or safety shutdowns on the farm.
No supervision or a failure to properly train workers.
Workers mishandling tools and machinery.
Poor quality control.
There are many potentially liable parties, and the fault can be shared by multiple parties if they each share some blame. Liable parties can include:
Vehicle and equipment manufacturers.
Property and farm owners, or a farm employer.
Firms providing temporary workers.
Third-party staff.
Construction firms that have built structures on the farm, such as silos, barns, and storage units.
Sub-contractors, such as pesticide management, seasonal help, and trucking delivery drivers.
Contact Bisnar Chase after an agricultural accident and let our team identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
Fatal Accidents on Farms
A farm accident injury can have severe and life-altering consequences for the victim. But in the worst cases, victims suffer fatal injuries. At this point, it will move beyond a personal injury claim and become a wrongful death lawsuit.
At Bisnar Chase, we also deal with fatal incidents involving farm workers. Everyone knows that farm work is one of the most dangerous occupations you can do. But most people do not realize how common fatalities are.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment category that includes agriculture has a fatality rate of 20 deaths per 100,000 workers. That far exceeds the national average of 3.6 deaths per 100,000 workers in all industries.
- In 2021, more than 450 farm workers died in workplace accidents.
- A high percentage of the fatalities (nearly 40%) occurred during crop production. The top causes of death across farming operations were transportation, contact with objects/equipment, violence by people or animals, and falls, trips, and slips.
Losing a loved one at any time can be devastating. But when it happens in the workplace and should have been avoided, the loss is unimaginable. Our job as California farm accident lawyers is to ensure justice is done.
We will fight for compensation covering your losses, including the loss of love, support, and companionship, funeral expenses, and the loss of financial support. But money alone cannot make you whole after a loss. In filing a wrongful death lawsuit, we can also hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Why Should You File a Claim Over an Agricultural Injury?
Filing a legal claim after an accident is a personal decision. The stats show that farming injuries often go unreported. Perhaps many workers accept the work to be inherently dangerous or fear losing their jobs if they speak up.
But we believe in the legal system. The following are just some of the key reasons to file a legal action:- Negligent parties are held accountable.
- Unsafe practices will be fixed to prevent further injuries.
- You will be compensated for your suffering, as well as any work you are forced to miss.
- You will receive guidance from your legal team on the best treatments and specialists for your injuries.
- As the victim, you will not have to pay out of pocket. Your law firm will advance the costs involved.
- Your job will be protected from employer retaliation.
Does Filing a Claim Put Your Job at Risk?
Many workers on farms might be nervous about taking legal action, especially if they are not legal residents or workers in the United States. But you have no need to fear.
It is illegal for any employer to retaliate against a worker for filing a workers’ compensation or injury claim. That means they cannot fire you, mistreat you, or report you to immigration officers.
When you are injured in a farm accident, your nationality, immigration status, or work status cannot be used against you legally.
These factors will not stop you from pursuing justice when you have the right injury attorney in your corner.
Trust our team of experts to act in your best interests, using our decades of experience. When you contact us, you get a free consultation with no obligations, giving you the freedom to make an informed decision.
Farming Laws and Agricultural Safety
Strict agricultural laws are in place in California to promote quality farming practices, improve sustainability, and protect the health of farm employees. These laws are constantly evolving.
California has several laws to protect farmworkers and regulate their working conditions. Some of the key laws include:
1. Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA) of 1975: This law gives farmworkers the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining.
2. Alatorre-Zenovich-Dunlap-Berman Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975: This act established the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) to oversee and enforce the ALRA.
3. California Wage Order: This order sets minimum wage, overtime, and other wage and hour standards for agricultural workers.
4. California Heat Illness Prevention Regulation: This requires employers to provide shade, water, and rest breaks to prevent heat illness among outdoor workers, including farmworkers.
5. Pesticide Safety Requirements: California has strict regulations on pesticide use and requires employers to provide training, protective equipment, and medical monitoring for workers who handle pesticides.
6. Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA): This federal law establishes employment standards for wages, housing, transportation, disclosures, and recordkeeping for migrant and seasonal agricultural workers.
7. Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014: This law entitles farmworkers to paid sick leave.
8. AB 1066 (2016): This bill phases in overtime pay for agricultural workers over four years, lowering the current 10-hour day threshold for overtime by half an hour annually until reaching the standard 8-hour day by 2022.
At Bisnar Chase, we view cases from every possible angle to maximize their value for our clients. We leave no stone unturned, accounting for agricultural and personal injury laws. Call a California farm accident lawyer today at 800-561-4887 for a free consultation.
Workers Compensation vs. Injury Lawsuit
Knowing what type of claim you need to file after an accident can be more than a little confusing. But Bisnar Chase is here to provide expert guidance.
Workers’ compensation benefits are probably available if an employer or coworker directly causes an accident at work. All California businesses with at least one employee are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover these costs.
However, if your accident involves a third party, you may be advised to pursue an injury lawsuit. For example, if you have an auto vehicle claim after an accident while using a farm vehicle, you might have an injury claim. Another example might involve an accident caused by a dangerous or defective product.
Bisnar Chase focuses on personal injury law. We will assess your case and refer you to a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer if necessary or handle it ourselves if we can.
What is Your Farm Accident Case Worth?
Agricultural accidents resulting in severe injuries can leave victims facing massive medical bills and a long road to recovery. So, how much money can you expect to recover in compensation if your case is successful?
As with any personal injury claim, the answer is a little frustrating. The truth is that it depends on a wide range of factors, and the only way to give an accurate estimate is to examine the specific facts of your case. A farm accident lawyer will fight to ensure agricultural workers are compensated for:- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Projected future related treatment costs.
- The loss of ability to work.
No Win No Fee Farm Accident Attorneys
Don’t worry about whether you can afford a lawyer. Our firm offers a no win, no fee guarantee that protects you from paying anything out of pocket.
We advance the costs required to win your case. That includes everything from filing fees to hiring investigators and expert witnesses. You will pay nothing until your case is resolved.
When we win for you, we take a percentage of the compensation to cover our expenses. If we do not win, you owe nothing.
The amount we take is typically 33%. If a case goes to trial, it might rise to a maximum of 40% based on the resources required. This price aligns with what all other California firms will charge because it is an industry-standard and is legally limited.
This may seem like a large number, but studies show that the chances of success and compensation recovered greatly increase when you work with an attorney.
2024 Top 10 Best Lawyers
Whether you have sustained a severe injury due to a farming equipment incident or suffered lasting damage due to exposure to toxic chemicals, an agricultural accident can be life-changing.
You need to work with a law firm that believes in you and will fight for your rights. At Bisnar Chase, we have been helping people for more than 46 years. We have a 99% success rate, with more than $900 million recovered for our clients.
An Experienced Farm Accident Lawyer In Your Area
Our firm has offices throughout California, including San Francisco, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside. If you can’t reach us, we’ll come to you!
Don’t leave anything to chance. Workplace injuries involving the agriculture industry can be devastating. But we are here to help you get your life back on track and to win the compensation you deserve.
Contact a top-rated California farm accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase today. Call (800) 561-4887, send us an email, or use the live chat on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
