Farming is one of the highest-risk industries in the UK. Data from the Health & Safety Executive shows that agriculture has the worst rate of fatal injuries among workers of all the main industry sectors, with an average injury rate around 21 times as high as the all-industry rate over the last five years.

The nature of the work often involves heavy machinery, livestock and potentially hazardous substances. Here are some of the most common causes of farm accidents that could lead to a compensation claim:

• Machinery and equipment accidents: overturns or collisions involving tractors are a leading cause of farm injuries, while poorly maintained or malfunctioning machinery can also easily cause accidents.
• Livestock accidents: unpredictable or aggressive behaviour from livestock can result in serious injuries, and large animals could also crush farm workers against walls or fences.
• Accidents with chemicals and substances: incorrect storage or application of pesticides can lead to harmful exposure. Similarly, chemical fertilisers can be hazardous if not handled with care.
• Weather conditions: working in extreme heat or cold without proper precautions can be dangerous, while rain can create slippery surfaces that increase the risk of falls and machinery accidents.
• Environmental factors: uneven terrain, wet surfaces or clutter can lead to slips, trips and falls. Additionally, there is a risk of falling objects from items that have been stored improperly.
• Human error: inadequate training can result in misuse of equipment, or poor handling of animals. Long working hours without proper breaks can also cause fatigue, leading to mistakes and accidents.
• Noise exposure: being exposed to high levels of noise without proper hearing protection can also cause agricultural injuries, as can the vibration caused by farm tools.

If you've been involved in a farm accident due to any of these reasons, you may be eligible for a farm worker accident compensation claim. Get in touch with us to find out whether you have grounds to make a claim.

You can still make a farm worker accident compensation claim even if you're self-employed. However, the process might be a bit different compared to those who are traditionally employed.

Even if you're self-employed, farm owners and operators still have a duty of care towards you. They must keep the working environment safe and make sure that all machinery and equipment are in good working condition.

However, when you're self-employed, establishing liability can be more complex. You'll need to prove that the accident took place due to someone else's negligence, such as the owner of the farm where you were working, or perhaps a supplier of faulty equipment.

Given the potential complexities involved, it's particularly important for self-employed farm workers to seek legal advice if they’ve been in an accident. Switalskis has extensive experience in handling farm worker accident compensation claims for self-employed workers. We can help you navigate the legal processes and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.

Gathering the right evidence is vital for the success of your farm worker accident compensation claim. It's all about proving that someone else's negligence led to your accident and subsequent injuries. Here's what you'll generally need:

• Accident reports: if an accident book is maintained on the farm, make sure the incident is recorded in it. If not, write down your own detailed account of what happened as soon as possible.
• Witness statements: if there were any witnesses to the accident, their accounts could be invaluable. Try to get written statements and contact details from them.
• Medical records: visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible after the accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Medical records will not only prove that you were injured, but also establish the severity and potential long-term impact of those injuries.
• Photographic evidence: take photos of the accident scene, any machinery or equipment involved and your injuries. These can provide a visual account of the conditions that led to the accident.
• Employment records: your employment records can prove that you were employed at the farm at the time of the accident, which may be essential for establishing liability.
• Financial records: keep track of all expenses related to your accident, from medical bills to travel costs for medical appointments. These will be important when calculating how much compensation you may be entitled to.
• Expert opinions: in some cases, we may consult with farming safety experts or medical professionals to provide reports that support your claim.

Collecting all this evidence can be a daunting task, especially when you're recovering from an accident. Switalskis can guide you through what you need, help you collect it, and organise it in a way that strengthens your case.

When it comes to compensation, every case is unique, and the amount you could receive depends on a variety of factors:

• Severity of the injury: the more severe your injury, the higher the compensation. This not only includes immediate medical costs, but also long-term rehabilitation and care.
• Loss of earnings: if your injury has forced you to take time off work or has impacted your ability to work in the future, this will be taken into account.
• Pain and suffering: compensation for the physical and emotional pain you've endured is also considered.
• Quality of life: if your injury has had a long-term impact on your quality of life, such as your ability to participate in hobbies or spend time with family, this can also affect the amount.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: any costs you've had to cover yourself, such as travel to medical appointments or modifications to your home, can be reclaimed.

Speak to our team at Switalskis, and we'll review all aspects of your case to make sure you get the maximum compensation to which you're entitled.

We know that when you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident, time can feel like it's standing still. While we aim to resolve your claim efficiently, the duration of the claims process can vary depending on several factors:

• Complexity of the case: some claims are more straightforward than others. For example, if liability is clearly established and the other party is cooperative, your claim could be resolved in a matter of months. However, more complex cases involving severe injuries or disputes over liability can take longer, sometimes even years.
• Gathering evidence: collecting all the necessary evidence can be time-consuming. This includes medical records, witness statements and expert opinions. The more comprehensive the evidence, the stronger your claim, but it does take time to compile.
• Negotiations: once all the evidence is gathered, negotiations with the other party or their insurance company can begin. This phase can be quick if both parties are in agreement, but it can also drag on if there are disagreements over the extent of liability or the amount of compensation.
• Court proceedings: if a settlement can't be reached through negotiation, it may be necessary to go to court. Legal proceedings can be lengthy, adding several months or even years to the process.

At Switalskis, we're committed to keeping you updated at every stage of your claim. We'll give you realistic timeframes and keep you informed of any changes that might affect the duration of your claim.

In cases where both you and your employer are found to be at fault, the liability may be shared between you. This is known as ‘contributory negligence’, and means that while you may still receive compensation, the amount could be reduced to reflect your share of the responsibility for the accident.

If your case goes to court, the judge will consider the degree of negligence on both sides and adjust the compensation accordingly. For example, if you were found to be 25% responsible for your accident, your compensation might be reduced by that percentage.

Even if you were partly at fault, you still have the right to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. As such, it’s important to be honest and upfront about the circumstances surrounding your accident when making a claim. Switalskis will be able to carefully assess the details of your case to determine the extent of your liability, and help you understand what contributory negligence means for your claim.