Minnesota Farm Accident Lawyer

Farm Accident Attorney in Minnesota

Working on a farm is necessary but dangerous work. Farm workers can experience vehicle accidents, heavy machinery malfunctions, and injuries or illnesses from exhaustion or exposure. It can be confusing to determine if your situation qualifies as a personal injury case. If you have been injured, you may need a Minnesota farm accident lawyer to review the facts of your case and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Hire a Farm Accident Lawyer

Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, Craig Steger has over 20 years of experience in representing farmers and their families in personal injury cases. When you hire a farm accident lawyer, you want someone who understands the complexities of owning and operating a farm. Growing up on a dairy farm, Craig Steger has raised his own beef and currently runs his own small farm with his family.

Farm Accident Rates in the United States

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities across numerous industries. Information for agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting is grouped and shows a rate of 3.9 recordable cases per 100 workers in 2024. Of these cases:

• 2.5 required accommodations.
• 1.4 required days away from work.
• 1.1 required days of job transfer or restriction.

Also in 2024, there were a total of 248 job-related injuries that resulted in death for all farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. Agricultural work, specifically, resulted in 151 deaths.

If you are injured while working on a farm, you may have to file a civil claim to seek compensation. Personal injury claims in Minnesota are filed in District Court in the county where you live or work.

Common Types of Farm Accidents

Farms can be dangerous. During peak seasons, the farm is busy, and workers use various types of heavy machinery to complete their tasks. Fatigue, improper training, or carelessness can result in a life-changing injury or accidental death. If you get injured while working on a farm, a Minnesota farm accident attorney can pursue the compensation you need to cover medical bills and lost wages. Some common farm accidents include:

• Tractor rollovers. Tractors are essential for farm work, but they are prone to rollovers when used on unstable ground. The lack of adequate rollover protection and improper training can also contribute to accidents.
• Malfunctioning machinery. The farm relies on many types of machines to complete necessary tasks. If these machines are not maintained properly or the safety measures fail, they can cause injuries.
• Livestock. There is always the risk of injury when working with animals. Farm workers risk being bitten, kicked, or crushed when an animal behaves unpredictably. Properly using restraining equipment can reduce the risk of injury.
• Silo accidents. Falling inside a silo can result in suffocation when trapped in the grain. There is also the risk of dangerous gas buildup that can become toxic. Proper ventilation and safety gear can prevent accidents.
• Toxic chemicals. There are many potentially toxic chemicals used on the farm. Exposure can potentially cause short-term or long-term negative health problems. Chemicals should always be handled with proper safety equipment and used as intended.
• Falls. Many areas of the farm are elevated. Falls from hay lofts or silos can cause serious injury or even death. Proper platform and ladder maintenance can prevent falls.
• Environment. Farm work can cause many problems for farm workers. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can cause heat-related illnesses. Taking care of your own health can prevent heat- or fatigue-related accidents and illnesses.

FAQs

What Is the Right to Farm Law in Minnesota?

Minnesota enacted the Right to Farm Law (RTF) to protect farmland from encroachment. Once a farm has been operational for at least two years, that farm cannot be declared a general nuisance to the public or a private nuisance to neighbors. To qualify, the farm must be located in an area zoned for agricultural use, engage in practices common to the area, and meet any other applicable laws.

What Are Some of the Most Common Farm Accidents?

Many types of farm accidents can result in accidental death or injury. Tractor rollovers are a leading cause, especially with older tractors that do not have a roll-over protective structure. Operating machinery, such as shafts, augers, or balers, can also be dangerous. Grain bin and silo hazards can also lead to suffocation or toxic gas exposure. Working with animals can result in many types of injuries. Falling from a high space can also lead to injury.

What Do Accidents Among Farm Workers Most Often Involve?

Accidents among farm workers most often involve vehicles or machinery. Many farms use trucks, all-terrain vehicles, or utility task vehicles. When operating these vehicles on public streets, accidents involving other motorists can occur. Rollover accidents are also common, which can cause crushing injuries. Working with heavy machinery can lead to electrocution or entanglement injuries.

What Is the Number One Cause of Fatal Farm Accidents?

During 2022, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the number one cause of fatal farm accidents was transportation incidents. The agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry has the highest fatal injury rate of all U.S. industries. Other leading causes of death include violence by people or animals and contact with objects or equipment. Over half of all deaths were workers 55 years old or older.

When Are Farm Accidents Most Likely to Happen?

Farm accidents happen more often during planting and harvesting seasons. During these times, it is common for farm workers to work longer hours. Late morning and mid-afternoon accidents are also common as fatigue increases and concentration decreases. Planting and harvesting require the use of heavy machinery, and the risk of accidents increases when farm vehicles use public roads during busy times.

Contact Craig Steger for Your Farm Accident Case

When you’ve been injured on your farm or while working on someone else’s farm, you need an attorney who understands farm accident laws and how they apply to your situation. Craig Steger understands the risks farmers take every day and the importance of the work they do. Contact Craig Steger today to schedule your initial consultation.