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Houston Product Liability Lawyers Serving Clients Injured by Defective Agricultural Machines in Texas and Throughout the Country

Agriculture is hard work. In addition to your own strength, you rely on a number of machines and vehicles to get the job done. You expect all of the equipment you use is safe, but unfortunately manufacturers sometimes cut corners or put profits ahead of people. When this happens people can suffer serious injuries or even lose their lives.

At Patrick Daniel Law, we fight for those who have been injured in agricultural accidents stemming from defective farming equipment. The billion-dollar companies that make these machines are not untouchable, and we aggressively pursue litigation to get you the compensation you deserve.

Patrick Daniel Law is based in Houston and serves all of Texas, as well as clients nationwide. If you need our help after an agricultural injury, please call (713) 999-6666 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Types of Farm Equipment Accidents

The attorneys at Patrick Daniel Law serve clients who have been injured due to accidents involving a wide range of machines and vehicles used in agricultural operations. These include:

  • Tractors
  • Combines
  • Brush hogs
  • Hay rakes and hay balers
  • Front-end loaders
  • Backhoes
  • Compact loaders
  • Augers
  • Harvesters
  • Planters
  • Cultivators
  • Mowers

This list is by no means exhaustive. The unfortunate reality is that any equipment you use on the farm can cause serious injury or death due to malfunctions stemming from a defect.

Compensation for farming equipment accidents. | Patrick Daniel Law

Some of the most common types of farming accidents related to defective machines and equipment include:

Corn Husker Accidents

A machine that removes the husk and shell from ears of corn can save an immense amount of time and labor in corn farming. Unfortunately, accidents involving corn huskers can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

One of the biggest dangers associated with automated corn huskers is getting pulled into the machine. When this happens, workers may suffer severe dislocations, soft tissue injuries, bone fractures, and even traumatic amputations. Farms and agricultural facilities are often located far from the nearest hospital. As a result, workers are at a high risk of permanent disability from injuries sustained in corn husker accidents, as well as potentially deadly shock and blood loss.

Liability for an accident with a corn husker may rest with one or more parties involved in the design and manufacture of the machine. You may also have a claim for personal injury (if you or a loved one was harmed) or wrongful death (if your family member was killed) against one or more third parties responsible for safe working conditions on the farm.

Potato Hauler Accidents

After harvest, potatoes are typically transported in open or closed trailers by semi-trucks. Truck accidents can occur on the road or at loading facilities.

Truck drivers at distribution centers are often faced with the unenviable task of backing the rig up to a chute or conveyor belt to load potatoes. Collisions with machinery are common, and workers on the ground face a significant risk of being caught in between a reversing semi-truck and other objects.

Agricultural workers loading potatoes may also suffer injuries in accidents with the conveyor belt or the chute. The biggest risk comes from getting caught in machinery, which can lead to crush injuries, lost digits and limbs, and (in extreme cases) being pulled into the chute or the bed of the trailer. In the latter scenario, the worker may be suffocated or crushed by the weight of tens of thousands of pounds of potatoes.

Silo Accidents

Silos are used to store grain, feed, and other items. Although most people picture tall tower-like structures when they think of silos, they can also take the shape of trenches, silage piles, and more.

Without proper precautions and equipment, working on silos can be extremely dangerous:

  • Most farms use trucks and heavy machinery to load silos. As with the other types of equipment discussed on this page, the risk of serious injury or death from getting stuck in the machinery is very high.
  • Strong suction is formed at the top of the silo when it is unloaded from the bottom. Workers pulled into this suction may suffocate or get crushed by the weight of materials inside the silo.
  • Materials contained in silos can be flammable, potentially resulting in fires and explosions.
  • Fermenting grain inside of a silo gives off toxic fumes that deprive the body of oxygen.
  • When a silo collapses, workers on the ground may be crushed or trapped by portions of the silo structure, the contents of the silo, and/or machinery in the vicinity.

Silo accidents can occur on individual and corporate farms. Workers at large grain storage facilities (sometimes called grain elevators) are also at risk for similar types of accidents.

Aerial Lift Accidents

The Genie boom lift and other types of aerial equipment have a wide range of uses in farming and agriculture. Unfortunately, defects commonly make aerial lifts unsafe for workers.

Defective bolts can cause the boom to become disconnected from the mobile base. This can cause the lift to collapse and/or tip over, resulting in serious injuries and, potentially, death. Other issues – such as negligent maintenance – can exacerbate the dangers of working on aerial lifts.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an agricultural accident involving a faulty aerial lift, Patrick Daniel Law can help. Our law firm has extensive experience handling product liability claims and other legal actions involving defective farming equipment.

Rollover Accidents

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, vehicle rollover accidents are the number-one cause of death for farmers and agriculture workers. Considering the size of tractors and other heavy machines used on farms, the risk of fatality is easy to understand.

What is not easy to understand is the lack of care companies can take in the design and development of these machines. Whether it is an error in calculating the turning radius or a mechanical malfunction that causes the rollover, negligence at any part in the process of manufacturing farm equipment can have dire consequences for workers.

Houston Tractor Accident

Running Machinery

Another leading cause of serious injuries on farms in Texas and across the country is machinery that continues to run even after it has been powered down. Whether it is the engine of a heavy machine or a standalone piece of equipment, internal components pose a serious risk to fingers, hands, arms, and even overall safety.

Defects on these machines can make maintenance seriously hazardous. And, if the machine continues to run after being shut off, it may present a risk to the operator and anyone in the immediate vicinity.

Vehicle Accidents

Any moving vehicle that fails to stop is a major hazard. When a tractor, combine, or other heavy-duty machine is involved, even people on the other side of a field may be in danger of a runaway accident.

The same is true for pickup trucks, ATVs, and other vehicles commonly used in agriculture work. Whether you’re on the farm or on the way to town, auto defects can lead to single-car accidents and vehicle collisions.

Fuel Geysering

Fuel geysering occurs when pressurized fuel sprays out of a closed container. Like a geyser, the fuel erupts out of the device, which can lead to severe burn injuries.

Both heavy-duty machinery and handheld equipment can suffer from fuel geysering defects. Although the geysering effect generally occurs when the tank containing the fuel is first opened, there may be a delay, presenting a continued safety risk.

Common Injuries in Agricultural Accidents

Any farmer or agricultural worker knows that the work can be dangerous. However, when you use caution and the right safety gear, you have the right to expect that the equipment you use will function properly.

Unfortunately, defective designs, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn about possible hazards can all result in catastrophic outcomes. Some of the most common severe injuries we see in farm accidents resulting from defective equipment and machinery include:

Sadly, each of these injuries can have lifelong effects, from permanent disability to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the worst case, these injuries may prove fatal.

What Farm Equipment Is Most Dangerous? | Patrick Daniel Law

How Patrick Daniel Law Can Help

The companies that manufacture farm equipment are multinational corporations. When somebody is injured or killed using one of their products, they have the resources and the money to take aggressive action in order to protect their bottom line.

They may offer a pittance of a settlement to make a claim go away, or they may deny responsibility, fully confident that victims and their attorneys don’t have the wherewithal to pursue the matter.

That is not the case when you hire Patrick Daniel Law. The mission of our law firm is to hold negligent parties truly accountable when they harm our clients.

Our ferocious approach to litigation is matched only by the compassion we feel for our clients and their families. As a result, you can expect us to:

  • Put your best interests first, always
  • Develop and execute unique, creative legal strategies that are customized to the details of your case
  • Work as a team, combining our staff’s legal expertise, business acumen, and other skills to your advantage
  • Push for the absolute best outcome in your case – we will never advise you to settle unless we feel that an offer is in your best interest, and we are not afraid to take your case to court if that is the optimal avenue for recovery
  • Pursue results that many other law firms cannot attain

In addition to results that make a real difference in the lives of our clients, we are proud of the positive reviews our clients consistently give us after working with Patrick Daniel Law.

With farming accidents and other cases involving defective products, timing is crucial. It is key to begin investigating the accident as soon as possible, specifically to arrange for expert evaluation of the machine or equipment that caused your injuries.

As a result, it is important to contact Patrick Daniel Law sooner rather than later to begin building your agricultural injury claim. Remember: Your consultation is FREE.

Combine Harvester Farm Accident

Compensation for Farming Equipment Accidents

Any accident involving industrial equipment is likely to result in severe or even fatal injury. As a result, the damages in these cases tend to be substantial.

Attorneys at Patrick Daniel Law pursue the full compensation you deserve for your injuries. This may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional anguish
  • Loss of consortium

In Texas and other jurisdictions, punitive damages may also be available in agricultural injury claims. These are “statement” damages that might be awarded if it is determined that the defendant in the case engaged in egregious negligence or intentional misconduct.

If you lost a loved one in an incident involving defective farm machinery or equipment, Patrick Daniel Law will take action on your family’s behalf to recover compensation in a wrongful death claim. Compensation available in a wrongful death case may include:

  • Loss of expected income and benefits
  • Costs for the funeral and burial or cremation services
  • Loss of consortium
  • Emotional distress

In cases of serious injury and wrongful death alike, you can count on Patrick Daniel Law to communicate with you regularly about the progress of your case. We are a people-first law firm committed to your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Farm accidents are, unfortunately, frequent occurrences, posing significant risks to agricultural workers and those living in rural areas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 47 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury or illness every day.

This high rate of incidents underscores the importance of safety measures and legal recourse for those injured. If you or someone you know has been injured in a farm equipment accident, consulting with a Houston injury lawyer can be crucial in understanding your rights and seeking compensation.

The most common type of injury for farm workers is musculoskeletal injuries, including strains and sprains. These are often due to the physical demands of farm work, such as lifting heavy objects, repetitive tasks, and operating machinery. Additionally, cuts, lacerations, and injuries from animal-related activities frequently occur. These injuries can lead to significant downtime and require medical treatment.

Given the hazardous nature of agricultural work, implementing safety protocols and using protective equipment are vital to prevent these common injuries. For individuals injured on the job, seeking legal advice may be important to address any workplace safety violations and pursue compensation.

The number one cause of death on farms is tractor rollovers. Tractor overturns cause an average of 130 yearly deaths, according to the National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Without the appropriate roll-over protective structures (ROPS), tractors pose a significant risk to farm workers.

Despite advancements in safety measures and technology, tractor rollovers continue to account for a large percentage of agricultural fatalities each year. These incidents highlight the importance of safety training, proper equipment maintenance, and the use of protective structures on tractors to prevent such tragic outcomes.

The most hazardous thing on a farm is machinery—particularly tractors. Farm machinery accounts for a significant portion of injuries and fatalities, with tractors leading due to rollovers and other accidents. There is a critical need for proper safety equipment, regular maintenance, and comprehensive training for all farm workers to navigate the inherent risks of operating heavy farm equipment.

Most accidents on farms occur due to a combination of factors, including:

  • Machinery Use: Machinery-related incidents, especially with tractors and harvesters, are predominant.
  • Exposure to Chemicals: The use of chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, without appropriate protective equipment can lead to serious health issues.
  • Physical Nature of Farm Work: Long working hours in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions further increase the risk of accidents and injuries on farms.

Inadequate safety measures, lack of proper training, and the sometimes unpredictable behavior of farm animals also contribute to the high incidence of accidents.

In Texas, farm vehicles are allowed on public roadways under specific conditions set by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). These vehicles, often essential for transporting agricultural products and equipment between fields and storage facilities, must adhere to state regulations concerning size, weight, and safety requirements.

Farm vehicles may be exempt from some regulations that apply to commercial vehicles, but they must display the appropriate signage and follow rules regarding visibility and lighting. Operators should also be aware of any local ordinances that might affect their use on roads within certain jurisdictions. For detailed guidance, reference the TxDMV’s guidelines on farm vehicle road use.

In Texas, it is not illegal to drive a tractor on the road, but drivers must follow specific rules and regulations. Tractors and other farm equipment are allowed on public roads when moving between fields or performing agricultural tasks. However, these vehicles must have proper lighting and marking to ensure visibility, especially during early morning, late evening, or poor weather conditions. The Texas Department of Insurance provides guidelines on safety requirements for farm equipment on roads.

In Texas, farm equipment does not automatically have the right of way on public roads. However, drivers of motor vehicles are encouraged to exercise caution and yield to farm equipment due to its size and the difficulty of maneuvering. State law requires slow-moving vehicle signs on farm equipment traveling below 25 mph to alert other road users. Ultimately, all drivers, including those operating farm equipment, must follow the rules of the road to ensure safety.

Determining liability in crashes involving farm equipment can be complex, often requiring careful analysis of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Here are key factors to consider:

  • Operator Error: Whether the driver of the farm equipment or the other vehicle involved was not operating their vehicle responsibly.
  • Equipment Malfunction: If the accident was caused by a defect or failure in the farm equipment, the manufacturer or company responsible for its maintenance may be liable.
  • Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage could shift some responsibility to local government entities.
  • Visibility & Signage: Failure to use required visibility aids or signs on farm equipment can be a critical factor.
  • Negligence: This includes not following traffic laws, such as right-of-way rules or speed limits.

Establishing liability often involves gathering evidence, including eyewitness accounts, expert testimony on equipment operation and road safety standards, and examining the vehicles and scene. A Houston farm equipment injury lawyer can navigate these complexities, leveraging legal experience and resources to establish fault and pursue rightful compensation for the injured party.

Contact Our Farm Equipment Injury Lawyers Today

Just because farming can be a dangerous occupation doesn’t mean you are responsible for your own injuries. If you were hurt or a loved one was killed due to a defective farm machine, Patrick Daniel Law is here to help.

Please call (713) 999-6666 or contact us online for a FREE review of your case. Our attorneys serve clients throughout the Houston area and other communities of Texas, as well as nationwide.

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