Farm work in North Dakota is both demanding and hazardous, where a single equipment failure or safety oversight can lead to you getting injured. The right legal claim depends on how the injury occurred.
While workers’ compensation may be a quicker option, benefits are often limited. Alternatively, a personal injury claim can offer broader compensation when negligence is involved in the accident. Being familiar with both can help you determine the best approach for your recovery.
Common scenarios that lead to injuries
Agricultural work can be dangerous at times, as it involves physically draining work and constant exposure to potential hazards. Many farm workers often fall from barn roofs, ladders, hay lofts or grain legs, suffering bone fractures and spine injuries as a result.
Moreover, working with livestock can also lead to a number of injuries. Farm workers often get soft tissue injuries from a kick or trampling by cattle and horses, often without warning.
Lastly, many farm workers get burns and lung damage from repeated contact with harmful chemicals like pesticides, anhydrous ammonia and manure pit gases. In severe cases, this can cause long-term illness and breathing problems.
How you can seek compensation
Some farm employers provide workers’ compensation on a no-fault basis, but many lack the right insurance. Moreover, benefits typically cover only medical bills and lost wages—not emotional damages. If negligence or another party caused your injury, you may want to file a personal injury claim instead.
Most personal injury claims start with a lawyer helping you investigate what happened and collect evidence. After filing the claim, both sides negotiate to decide who is responsible and how much money should be paid to you. Most cases settle before going to trial.
Taking the best path forward
A farm injury should not derail your life and livelihood. Pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim can address the true extent of your injuries while holding the negligent parties accountable.