Texas has more farms than any other state in America. With one in seven Texans working in agriculture, injuries are all too common. Farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers face daily risks from heavy machinery, livestock, chemicals, grain bins, and other hazards.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an agricultural accident in the Brazos Valley, the agricultural accident attorneys at The Payne Law Group can help you seek justice and fair compensation for your losses. We fight for the rights of injured agricultural workers in College Station and Bryan, Texas. While the agricultural industry sustains our state, working in farming and ranching remains extremely dangerous, with agricultural workers suffering the highest rates of injuries and fatalities each year. 

Common Agricultural Injuries

The agricultural industry is the most dangerous industry in America. Some of the most common injuries suffered by farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers include:

  • Overexertion Injuries
  • Machinery Entanglements
  • Tractor Accidents
  • Livestock Handling Injuries
  • Chemical Exposure Injuries
  • Falls 

Working from heights like haylofts, silos, and harvesters puts agricultural workers at risk of dangerous falls onto equipment or concrete surfaces below. Even short falls can result in broken bones or spinal injuries.

Severe wounds are also common because of the sharp tools and heavy machinery parts required for the job. 

Why Agricultural Accidents Happen

While farming and ranching is an essential way of life in Texas, it’s an inherently dangerous occupation. There are many reasons why the agricultural industry sees such high rates of serious injuries and fatalities:

  • Long hours and fatigue
  • Removing safety guards: To save time or avoid frustrations, some workers disable safety guards and shields on equipment like augers and harvesters. This leaves them exposed to deadly entanglement and amputation hazards.
  • Lack of proper training
  • Cutting corners
  • Old or poorly maintained equipment
  • Driving on rural roads: Collisions with other vehicles, collisions with livestock, and single-vehicle accidents are common dangers when driving trucks and equipment on rural roads.

Compensation for Injured Agricultural Workers

Employees of commercial farms and ranches may be covered by workers’ compensation insurance if injured on the job. However, many smaller family farms are not covered. Our attorneys can determine all sources of possible compensation, which could include:

We understand the nuances of agricultural injury cases, from complying with workers’ compensation notice requirements to overcoming misconceptions about the assumed risks of ag work. Our goal is to recover maximum compensation so you can afford medical care, make up for lost income, and secure your future.

FAQs

I Was Injured on a Farm. What Do I Do?

The first thing you should do is seek medical care. This is the most important step to keep you safe. Then, collect insurance information from the owner. The next best step is to contact our offices. We can help you communicate with insurance and ensure you recover the money you’re owed.

I Was Hurt on a Ranch. How Long Should I Wait to Contact an Attorney?

The sooner, the better. There is a clock running from the moment you get hurt, and the longer you wait to pursue compensation, the more difficult it becomes. Contact our attorneys as soon as possible so we can give you the best representation.  

How The Payne Law Group Can Help

Agricultural injury cases are complex and intricate. The personal injury attorneys at The Payne Law Group have the resources, training, and desire to fight for you. We understand the specific state and federal regulations involved, as well as how to gather evidence, investigate the scene, overcome allegations of assumption of risk, comply with all deadlines and requirements, and calculate future lost income and disability. More importantly, we take a compassionate approach and will work tirelessly to help get you the compensation you deserve after being involved in an agriculture accident. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.