Farming is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Approximately 22 out of every 100,000 farmers are killed in work-related accidents every year, with non-fatal injury rates even higher. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 58,000 adult farm injuries annually and unfortunately, more than half of the fatal and non-fatal accidents involve tractors.
Tractor Accidents are Preventable
Many of the tractor accidents that occur could have been prevented either with stricter safety measures or by exercising greater caution.
Tractor rollovers are the most common type of tractor accident, accounting for 45% of all fatal accidents. Other common tractor accidents include:
- Falling from the tractor (13%)
- Run over by the tractor (12%)
- Crushing accidents (10%)
- Entanglement (5%)
Many of the injuries and fatalities that result from a tractor accident could have been prevented by using a Rollover Protection System (ROPS). While the U.S. Department of Labor requires new farming equipment to be equipped with these important protective measures, many farmers use equipment that is older and does not have ROPS in place.
Causes of Tractor Accidents
Tractor accidents can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- Traveling up steep inclines
- Excessive speeds
- Holes in the ground
- Driving too close to ditches
- Improper ballasting
- Poor hitching
- Bypass starting
- Carrying an extra rider
- An accident with an unseen bystander
Tractor Accident Injuries
Tractor accidents can cause serious and devastating injuries, which may include:
- Lacerations
- Bruises
- Fractures
- Crushing injuries
- Head, neck, and spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
- Permanent disability
- Death
As a Farm Worker, You Have Rights
Agricultural jobs rank as one of the most dangerous in the U.S. If you or a loved one was injured, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances of your accident. Negligence on the part of your employer, machinery manufacturer, landowner, etc. can be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit and the lawyers at America’s Consumer Lawyer will work with you to help determine whether filing a lawsuit is in your best interest and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has suffered an injury or illness due to another’s negligence. We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at the work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 950 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 125 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
