Farm and Agriculture Injury Lawyers

Farm and Agriculture Injury: what you need to know

Tractors, quad bikes, machinery and livestock cause many serious injuries on farms each year. Farm workers also work long days, often alone and far from help, which can make injuries worse.

Seasonal, casual and backpacker workers are usually covered by workers compensation in the same way as permanent staff. If your employer failed to keep equipment safe or train you properly, you may also have a common law claim.

Common farm injuries

• Tractor and quad bike accidents
• Machinery entanglement and crush injuries
• Injuries from livestock
• Falls from silos, sheds and vehicles
• Chemical exposure
• Back injuries from heavy lifting

Farm work, machinery and rural injuries

Farming has one of the highest injury rates of any industry: tractors and quad bikes roll, livestock kick and crush, and machinery catches clothing and limbs. Seasonal and casual farm workers are usually covered by workers compensation like any other worker.

Farm injuries are often serious and the nearest hospital can be a long way away. Keep records of your treatment and travel, as reasonable travel costs for treatment can be claimed.

What workers compensation can pay

Under the Workers Compensation Act 1951 (ACT) you do not have to prove anyone was at fault. You can usually claim weekly payments while you cannot work, medical and rehabilitation costs, and a lump sum for permanent impairment. If your employer or someone else was negligent, a common law claim for damages may be worth much more.

Read more about workers compensation claims.

Evidence that helps your claim

You do not need to have everything before you call us, but these records make a workers compensation claim stronger. Keep copies of anything you have:

• Your claim form and the date you reported the injury
• Certificates of capacity from your doctor
• Payslips and tax returns showing your earnings
• Incident reports, photos and witness names
• Emails or messages about your injury or duties

How much could a agriculture and farming claim be worth?

Every claim is different. The amount depends on what you earned before the injury, how long you cannot work, your medical needs, your level of permanent impairment, and whether a common law claim is available. We give you an honest estimate once we understand your situation, and we prepare every claim to get its full value rather than settling early.

Why people choose United Legal

• Three lawyers on every case. Your claim is checked by more than one experienced lawyer, start to finish.
• A local Canberra firm since 2004. We know the ACT schemes, insurers, doctors and courts.
• No Win, No Fee. No upfront costs, and you get a written costs agreement before we start.
• Serious injury experience. Our results include a $20m+ settlement and a $1.4m workers compensation claim.

Watch: agriculture and farming

What to do now

1. Report the injury to your employer as soon as you can, and make sure it is recorded.
2. See a doctor and ask for a workers compensation certificate of capacity.
3. Lodge your claim form with your employer, and keep copies of everything.
4. Get advice before you sign anything from the insurer or agree to a settlement.

Agriculture and farming: FAQs

Related workers compensation claims

• Construction and trades
• Healthcare workers
• Emergency services
• Trucking and transport
• Warehouse and forklift
• Mining and resources
• Office workers
• Lifting and back injuries
• Mental health at work
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Slips and falls at work
• All workers compensation claims