Farm workers provide an important service, yet their jobs are among the most dangerous and least compensated in the country. While considered the backbone of the $200 million agriculture industry, farm workers are among the poorest workers in the U.S. Coupled with exposure to hazardous conditions (pesticide and fertilizer exposure, heat stress, lack of adequate water, exceedingly long hours, dangerous animals and equipment, etc.) it is easy to see why agricultural careers are some of the most deadly.
Farm workers do not receive the same protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as other employees in other industries. Since 1966, the FLSA has required larger scale farms to pay a lawful minimum wage to their employees; smaller farms are exempt. Unfortunately, larger farms operating through unscrupulous means will pay on a piece-rate basis, forcing workers to rush against the clock, resulting in low wages and the risk for injuries. In addition, farm workers are exempt from overtime pay and on farms that employ seven (7) or less employees in a calendar year are exempt from all FLSA provisions.
The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act of 1983 is the principal federal employment law for farm workers. The law requires employers to disclose terms of employment at the time of recruitment, farm labor contractors (FLC) must be licensed by the U.S., provided housing must meet federal and local housing standards, and transport vehicles must meet basic federal safety standards and be insured.
Most farm workers are not provided worker’s compensation, health insurance, disability insurance, or the ability to join unions or join in collective bargaining.
Analyzing FLSA claims can be complex and agricultural jobs continue to 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.
