Farming Accidents
Suffering an injury in a farming accident can be devastating, often leading to serious, life-changing consequences. In the South West, where agriculture is central to many local communities, farming remains one of the most hazardous industries. Agricultural work frequently involves heavy machinery, livestock, hazardous substances, and demanding outdoor conditions, sometimes in remote or isolated settings. When safety standards are not properly followed – whether due to inadequate training, unsafe working practices, or poorly maintained equipment – the risk of serious injury increases significantly. If your accident could have been prevented, you may be entitled to compensation.
More about Farming Accidents
A farming accident claim can help you recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, medical treatment, and any ongoing care or rehabilitation you may need. It can also play an important role in improving safety standards across the agricultural industry. Based in the South West, our expert personal injury solicitors understand the realities of farming work in the region and are here to support you throughout the claims process.
Some of the most common farming accidents include:
- Machinery and equipment accidents (tractors, harvesters, balers, PTO shafts)
- Livestock-related injuries (kicks, crushing, trampling, or bites)
- Slips, trips, and falls on uneven or muddy ground
- Falls from height (ladders, roofs, silos, haylofts)
- Crush injuries involving vehicles or heavy loads
- Injuries caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment
- Exposure to hazardous substances, including pesticides and chemicals
- Manual handling injuries from lifting heavy feed, equipment, or animals
If you’ve been injured in a farming accident due to unsafe working conditions or negligence, our expert team can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Get in touch today to get the ball rolling.
Those responsible for a farm must:
Provide a Safe Working Environment:
Farms should be organised to minimise hazards, with safe access routes, properly maintained buildings, and clear separation between people, vehicles, and animals.
Maintain Machinery and Equipment:
Agricultural machinery must be properly maintained, regularly inspected, and safe to use. Guards, safety features, and emergency stop mechanisms must be in place and functioning.
Ensure Proper Training and Supervision:
Workers should receive adequate training on how to use machinery, handle animals, and work safely in potentially dangerous conditions. Young and inexperienced workers require additional supervision.
Carry Out Risk Assessments:
Farm owners must assess risks associated with farming activities and implement measures to reduce or eliminate those risks, particularly when dealing with machinery, livestock, or hazardous substances.
Provide Appropriate PPE:
Personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, boots, masks, and high-visibility clothing should be provided where required and maintained in good condition.
When these responsibilities are not met and someone is injured as a result, the person responsible may be legally liable. Our specialist solicitors at Howard & Over can assess whether a duty of care was breached and advise you on the strength of your claim, all on a no win, no fee basis.
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Your Questions Answered
A farming accident is any incident causing injury while carrying out agricultural work. This includes machinery accidents, livestock injuries, falls, chemical exposure, and vehicle-related incidents on farms or agricultural land.
Yes. Even if you are self-employed or working on a family-run farm, you may still be able to make a claim if your injury was caused by unsafe equipment, poor maintenance, or another party’s negligence.
Yes. You may still be entitled to compensation under contributory negligence. Any compensation awarded may be adjusted to reflect shared responsibility.
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident or from when you became aware of your injury. There are exceptions, so it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
It is unlawful to treat someone unfairly for making a legitimate personal injury claim. Howard & Over can provide confidential advice if you’re concerned about relationships or work arrangements following an accident.
You may be able to make a farming accident claim even if you are not a permanent employee. Agricultural work often involves a wide range of working arrangements, and legal protection extends beyond traditional employment contracts.
What matters most is whether your injury was caused by someone else’s failure to take reasonable steps to keep you safe. Our expert solicitors can help determine who is legally responsible.
Many farming accidents occur on family-run farms, and people are often reluctant to make a claim because they worry about the personal impact. In reality, claims are usually made against the farm’s insurance policy, not the individual themselves.
A claim is not about blame or personal conflict – it’s about securing the financial support you need to recover and move forward. Our team handles these cases sensitively and discreetly, ensuring relationships are respected while your rights are protected.
Unsafe practices are sometimes accepted as normal in farming environments, particularly on long-established or family-run farms. However, accepted practice does not override legal responsibility.
Even if:
- Shortcuts were commonly taken
- Equipment had been used unsafely for years
- No one had been injured before
You may still have a valid claim if reasonable safety measures were not in place. Employers and farm operators must comply with health and safety law, regardless of tradition or habit.
A lack of formal procedures does not prevent you from making a claim. Many farming operations are informal, but claims can still be supported using medical records, witness evidence, photographs, and expert assessments
Yes. Health and safety legislation applies to farms of all sizes, including smallholdings and family-run operations. Anyone in control of farming activities has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect workers and others from harm.
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