Farming is a common way of life in the midwest. It is an essential line of work that many proudly support their families by doing every day. Unfortunately, farming can lead to more accidents than other lines of work due to the workers’ vulnerability to machinery accidents, livestock issues, having to work in inclement weather, and more.
If you or someone close to you has been involved in a farm accident, you have local, experienced Madison farm accident attorneys who can provide peace of mind and an invaluable skillset. Our work injury lawyers in Madison have extensive knowledge and experience working with Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation system and personal injury claims related to agricultural incidents. We may be able to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from your farm accident.
Contact our office today at (608) 448-6242Â to learn more about how we can help you get back to farming and providing for your family.
What Are Common Farm Accident Injuries?
Traditionally, farming methods didn’t involve as many pieces of equipment or heavy machinery as new technology has provided. This can lead to a more streamlined season for farmers, but can also lead to more injuries due to the nature of the work and the equipment used to do it. Combines, tractors, and other heavy equipment can be used daily to yield crops or provide an adequate landscape for livestock. This machinery can malfunction, tip over, or collide with others, and the injuries sustained can be severe or lead to death.
A tractor, for example, can weigh over two tons. Even at a low rate of speed, if it collides with property or other people, it can create catastrophic consequences. The compression or crushing of farm workers is, unfortunately, common. This can lead to amputations, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or death. If a piece of clothing is caught in machinery, this can also quickly lead to serious injury, amputation, and more. Lacerations or puncture wounds commonly occur with farm equipment or the terrain during daily activities and can quickly become severe. Traumatic brain injury due to being struck in the head or as a result of a fall from a ladder or roof, for example, is common on farms. Severe burns as a result of chemicals or machinery catching clothing on fire are also common farming injuries reported every year.
Do Farmers Have to Carry Worker’s Compensation Coverage?
Wisconsin generally doesn’t require all farmers to have workers’ compensation coverage. Suppose an employer has more than six employees, and each of these employees works for at least twenty days within a calendar year. In that case, they are typically required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. This can mean that all part-time, full-time, and seasonal employees are eligible for workers’ compensation coverage should they be injured while on the job.
If an employee is not covered under workers’ compensation, they may need to file a third-party personal injury claim. Once the fault is determined, the injured party can file a suit against the liable parties to obtain compensation for the injuries sustained. There may be more than one cause of fault in these cases. There could be the factor of insufficient training by the employer or fatigue due to the employer requiring too many hours that could lead to liability on behalf of the employer. A defective product that caused an injury could lead to liability on the part of the product manufacturer. An experienced attorney can help you to determine who is liable and help you to obtain the deserved compensation for your injuries.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Farm Accidents in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. You may be, however, eligible for workers’ compensation for several years after the accident, depending on the specific details of your case. You can work with a trusted attorney for injury cases to determine what you are eligible for and pursue what may be rightfully yours.
Why Should You Hire a Madison Farm Accident Lawyer?
Due to the nature of the injuries, medical or property damage bills can quickly add up to financial distress or bankruptcy for the parties involved. Without professional representation, you may leave necessary details out that can allow you the compensation you deserve or protect your rights.
Our team of Madison personal injury lawyers has years of experience helping clients like you determine what they are eligible for and fight for that so they can get on to the next chapter of their lives. You can rely on us to provide invaluable insight and guidance throughout this process and ensure that you do whatever you can to provide for yourself and your family in the face of injury. Contact us today at (608) 448-6242 to get started.
William M. Pemberton founded Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm in 2006 to fight for injured Wisconsinites. Focusing on motor vehicle accidents (car, motorcycle, and pedestrian), Will has been named a Super Lawyer for 12 consecutive years and holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating, as well as a Client Champion Platinum Award.
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