Farms can be dangerous places to work. Heavy duty machinery can pose many risks if there are failures in the training and supervision of operators, or if equipment is not adequately maintained. Vehicles are also responsible for many accidents on farms. Animals too can pose a risk, as was the case in an incident on a racecourse farm in Norfolk.
A stable hand was paralysed from the chest down after he was kicked by a horse. He is now pursuing a compensation award of over £300,000.
60 year old John Ward suffered spinal cord damage and a fractured cheek after the incident at Kimberley Home Farm and is now dependent on a twice daily carer. He is seeking provisional damages and an order allowing him to return to court in the future should his condition deteriorate. His compensation will go towards covering his care costs and loss of income, as well as his pain and suffering.
Combine harvester accident claims life of farm worker
A combine harvester accident claimed the life of a Wiltshire farm worker back in 2007 and his employer has recently been fined £125,000 having admitted responsibility.
21 year old Edward Pybus was harvesting crops when he was electrocuted because the grain spout of the harvester he was driving touched an overhead power line. He received a shock of 6,300 volts.
The employer was found by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to have failed to adequately inspect, monitor, supervise or audit health and safety at the farm and it was revealed they had not provided adequate health and safety training.
Farm accidents are widely reported and account for 15 per cent of work related fatalities.
Claiming compensation for farm accidents
If you have been injured in a farm accident, or have lost a loved one in a fatal farm incident, you may be entitled to compensation if the employer is found to be in breach of its health and safety duties. Taking specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity is vital. Legal experts who deal with farm accidents will have specific knowledge in this area and will be able to build a strong case against a negligent employer which results in a fair and appropriate compensation award, or sometimes an out of court settlement.
The specialist accident claims solicitors at Stephensons have long term experience in pursuing compensation for farm accidents and we have been successful in achieving high level pay-outs for those who have suffered life changing injuries. To discuss your case in confidence, directly with one of our experts, call us on 01616 966 229.
By personal injury solicitor and Stephensons’ Partner, Kate Sweeney
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