Heath, TX Farming Accidents Lawyers

How Texas Farm Equipment Safety Regulations Protect You

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “agricultural workers are at increased risk for on-the-job injuries and deaths.” Between 2021 and 2022, over 21,000 injuries were severe enough to require days off work. Yet, these statistics only represented documented injuries from this industry, which is well known for underreporting.

Inclement weather conditions like rain and high winds also contribute to farming accidents. Slow-moving vehicles (SMV), oversized equipment, and weighty loads can also make traveling on rural roads and other state roadways dangerous. Extra riders, especially children, face a significant risk of injury since most tractors and other farm vehicles designed for one operator do not have safety devices like seat belts for passengers. Texas regulations prioritize safety for farm workers who use heavy machinery and equipment. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other organizations set regulations and monitor compliance with rules, such as:

• A brightly colored, reflective SMV emblem must appear on the rear of equipment and towed trailers traveling under 25 miles per hour
• SMVs should use warning flashers, signal lights, and hand gestures to indicate turns or speed changes at least 100 feet before the action
• Jacks, hoists, or slings should be used to prevent the falling or shifting of heavy machinery held aloft or suspended for work
• The parking brake should be set on parked equipment, and wheels need to be chocked on inclines
• Tractors must keep their forward-facing headlights and taillights during operation
• Operators must obey all traffic laws and safe driving practices (e.g., not operating machinery under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or controlled substances) 
• Farm vehicles of over 48,000 pounds must be equipped with seatbelts
• Farmers must ensure that equipment is inspected and maintained regularly
• Safety chains should be attached from the towed machinery to the tractor
• Rear counterweights should be used to balance front-end loaders
• All equipment must respect size, weight, and operating limits unless special exception permits are obtained

Rules like these reduce accidents but do not eliminate them. Defective equipment, improper use, or lack of maintenance can also lead to disaster.

The following equipment is less likely to malfunction if properly maintained and operated:

• Hydraulic systems
• Braking systems
• Electrical components and sensors
• Power take-off shafts
• Side-by-side vehicles

A farming accident lawyer can help you understand how these regulations apply to your specific case, especially if faulty equipment or a violation of safety regulations contributed to the accident.

Call (214) 661-1537 to schedule a FREE consultation or fill out a contact form

How to Identify Potential Liable Parties in Farming Accidents 

In Rockwall County, serious injuries can result from the hazardous nature of some agricultural worksites and job duties. 

Common farming incidents include:

• Falls from heights
• Electrocution
• Being struck by heavy equipment
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Being caught in machinery
• Overexertion

These accidents might occur due to unsafe working conditions, lack of training, or defective equipment. Determining who is responsible is essential to ensure you get fair compensation when you are hurt.

Liability is not always limited to one party but might involve:

• Property owners who fail to maintain safe working conditions
• Equipment manufacturers who produce faulty or unsafe machinery
• Contractors or subcontractors who manage worksite safety improperly
• Utility companies responsible for exposed electrical lines
• Chemical suppliers or waste management workers who provide or dispose of hazardous materials without proper labeling
• Supervisors who neglect safety training or procedures

An experienced farming accident lawyer can determine whether equipment failure played a role in your accident. If the manufacturer, farm owner, or maintenance provider is negligent, your attorney can take appropriate legal action.

How an accident attorney can handle other insurance companies:

How to Get Texas Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Farm Workers

Texas workers’ compensation benefits provide income and medical care for work-related injuries. For certain severe conditions, an injured employee may be eligible for lifetime benefits. To qualify, employees must inform their employers of injuries within 30 days and follow network rules.

In addition, cases related to migrant or seasonal workers can make determining liability more complex. Subcontracted labor and shared equipment can also affect what legal strategies apply. 

Worse, some employers might contest valid workers’ comp claims. You might have to attend dispute resolution proceedings if this happens to you. The attorneys of Fielding Law are ready to defend workers’ compensation cases and help victims collect the compensation they deserve.

How to Maximize Your Farm Accident Settlement

Farming injury claims are unique. Agricultural environments often involve heavy machinery, chemicals, and remote locations, which can complicate matters when accidents occur. The negligence of multiple parties, such as landowners, equipment manufacturers, and contractors, may add to the challenge of pursuing financial compensation.

As a farmer or agricultural worker, you might be accustomed to working alone and having others depend on you. You can turn to Fielding Law for a helping hand now that you have been injured. Our attorneys are on the side of justice, and we want to use our resources and knowledge to pursue maximum compensation for your accident claim.

Whether your Texas case is settled in or out of court, relying on a trusted personal injury lawyer can offer peace of mind. Our Heath, TX, team is here to explain your rights so you can make informed decisions about your future.

Call Fielding Law today at (469) 402-8606 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation. There are no out-of-pocket costs because we only get paid if we win for you. Begin your financial recovery today with a law firm you can trust.

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“Mitch poured his heart and his soul into our family and offered a piece of himself to us! We are forever grateful for all of the help that Mitch offered our family! He is one of a kind! We would highly recommend him and would be happy to speak with anyone who would like to inquire about the quality of his services!” -Jane & John Lacasse