Experienced Legal Help For Injured Minnesota Agricultural Workers
Farm work can place workers around heavy machinery, large animals and harmful chemicals for long hours at a time. When an accident happens, the effects may include serious injuries, lost income and a long recovery that makes it difficult to return to work.
At Rosengren Law Office, LLC, we help injured farm workers understand their rights and take the next steps after an accident. From our Mankato office, we serve clients throughout southern Minnesota. Attorney Chris Rosengren brings more than 25 years of legal experience, including prior work representing employers and insurers. That background gives us valuable insight into how insurance companies review, value and defend workers’ compensation claims.
Common Causes Of Farm Accidents
Farm accidents can happen in many ways. Some involve heavy machines. Others happen because of unsafe work areas, poor training or long hours.
Common causes include:
- Tractor and combine rollovers
- Broken or unsafe farm machines
- Falls from ladders, barns and silos
- Grain bin collapses
- Livestock or animal-related injuries
- Exposure to pesticides, fertilizers or toxic chemicals
- Electrical shocks
- Fires and explosions
- Vehicle crashes
- Heavy lifting and repeated motion
- Poor safety rules or training
The risk of an accident may increase during planting and harvest seasons, when long shifts and tight deadlines can leave workers tired. Fatigue may slow reaction times and make it harder to operate farm equipment safely.
Common Farm Accident Injuries
Farm injuries vary in severity. While some improve with treatment and time, others may cause lasting pain, permanent limits or the loss of a farming career.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Crush injuries
- Loss of a finger, hand or limb
- Burns
- Hearing loss
- Joint and muscle injuries
- Breathing problems
- Chemical poisoning
Some injuries also get worse over time. A sore back, painful knee or cough may seem minor at first. It is still important to seek medical care and explain that the problem started at work.
Your Rights After A Farming Accident In Minnesota
Report the accident to your employer as soon as you can. Give clear details about when, where and how it happened. You should also get medical care and tell the doctor that the injury is work-related.
Workers’ compensation may pay for:
- Medical care
- Part of your lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Permanent disability
- Job retraining
- Help returning to work
An insurer may deny the claim or say the injury was not caused by work. It may also push you to return too soon. You do not have to accept that decision without asking questions.
Another party may also be at fault. For example, a machine maker, repair company or careless driver may have caused the accident. In that case, you may have a separate injury claim.
Are Minnesota Farm Workers Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
Some farm workers are covered, but not all. Minnesota law has special rules for farm jobs. Some workers on family farms may not have required coverage. Certain relatives, farm partners and company officers may also be left out.
A farm may choose to carry workers’ compensation insurance even when coverage is not required. Larger farming operations may also have a duty to provide it. Your job duties can matter as well, since work involving packing, processing or other business operations may fall outside the legal definition of farm labor.
Do not assume you are ineligible for benefits. Coverage may depend on the size and structure of the farm, its insurance policy and the work you were doing when the injury occurred. To get a clear understanding of your eligibility and secure the benefits you deserve, contact Rosengren Law Office, LLC.
Talk To A Local Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Rosengren Law Office, LLC, helps injured workers in Mankato and across southern Minnesota. We offer clear advice and practical help at every stage of a claim.
Contact us for a free consultation about your farming accident and your right to benefits. Call 507-387-7000 or send us an email today.