Large-scale soybean, corn, and hog farming play a key role in the Mower County and Austin-area economy. Unfortunately, farms present many hazards that can cause injuries to workers, residents, and visitors alike. Some examples of these risks include malfunctioning equipment or machinery, tractor accidents, falls, encounters with livestock, or exposure to toxic chemicals.
If you were injured in a farm accident caused by negligence or a dangerous product, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. An Austin farm accident lawyer from Maschka Personal Injury can walk you through the legal process and help you seek compensation.
By nature, farm accident injuries can be severe with potentially long-term impacts on a person’s life. Common injuries include:
Some of these injuries can be catastrophic, permanently limiting the person’s ability to earn an income and leaving them in need of long-term medical assistance. They may need modifications to their home to accommodate the injury or the assistance of someone else to complete personal care tasks and household chores. Beyond the monetary costs, farm injuries can also cause psychological impacts such as pain and suffering, and the loss of the enjoyment of life. Our Austin farm accident attorneys understand how frustrating this can be, especially if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Under certain circumstances, the personal injury claims process in Minnesota allows those who have been injured in farm accidents caused by someone’s negligence to seek compensation from the insurance policy held by the at-fault party. This may include a farm or property liability policy carried by the farm’s owner, or a business liability policy carried by the manufacturer of a piece of farming equipment. Once the injured party has reached maximum medical improvement, their lawyer will typically send a demand letter to the insurance company seeking compensation for the value of harm they experienced because of the Austin farm accident.
Once the insurer receives the demand, an adjuster will typically review the facts of the case and determine how much the insurance company is willing to pay, based on its evaluation of the case. The adjuster may offer a settlement to the claimant. If the parties cannot agree on a settlement, the claimant may file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. Most farm accident lawsuits must be filed within the state’s six-year personal injury statute of limitations, though certain circumstances can shorten that time limit.
Being injured in an accident and trying to recover both physically and financially is difficult enough. Trying to navigate the personal injury claims process alone can be extremely overwhelming. Having an experienced Austin farm injury lawyer on your side is not only necessary but also affordable. The legal team at Maschka Personal Injury works on a contingent fee basis. What this means is that payment for our services is “contingent” on a positive resolution of the claim. We do not take money up front or bill by the hour. Instead, our payment is a percentage of the award for the claim.
When people are injured in farm accidents near Austin, our Southern Minnesota-based legal team is ready to help. We prioritize being understanding and compassionate and are willing to advocate for our clients to ensure they receive the compensation they need. Contact an Austin farm accident lawyer for a free case evaluation today. Maschka Personal Injury is based in Mankato, but serves the surrounding areas.
