Worker's Compensation for Farm Workers

Most people do not realize how dangerous it is to work on a farm. Regardless of whether you are working with livestock or in the crop fields, large machinery, strong animals, and the weather can cause injuries. Oddly enough, many states do not require farm owner's carry agricultural worker's compensation insurance. Luckily, California does.

If you have been injured or gotten ill while working on a farm, report it immediately to your supervisor or the farm owner. Do not wait until the problem worsens or you have to miss work due to the issue. It is also important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here is some information about being hurt or sick while working.

Types of Injuries

There are many ways you can be injured while working on a farm. A lot of the work you do will require heavy lifting that can result in sprains and strains. While generally not serious injuries, you should rest to allow adequate healing. You will need to miss work while recuperating. When you have reported the injury, worker's compensation pays you for your time off.

Cuts are often taken care of at home or on the farm. However, you should always have a doctor look at the injury to make sure there is nothing else wrong. Farm tools can be covered in dirt and manure that is teeming with bacteria. Go to the doctor and be sure to receive antibiotics so the injury does not become infected. If the cut is deep, the doctor may also need to give you stitches.

Whether it is a hay bale falling on you, getting trapped between two animals, or getting pulled into a piece of machinery, crushing accidents are common on a farm. Worker's compensation will cover any medical bills and missing pay. In addition, if you are permanently injured you can receive compensation and/or disability.

Another problem that may arise when working in an agricultural environment is an illness. The chemicals used on farms may be harmful when inhaled or if they come in contact with your skin. Make sure you have good, detailed medical records, especially if the illness is lifelong or possibly terminal.

Who Is Covered

One of the reasons workers do not seek out medical attention and file a claim with worker's compensation is because they do not understand they are covered. It does not matter if you are a migrant worker, a seasonal worker, or even if you are undocumented. California's regulations require that all farm owners have this insurance for everyone that does any work on the property.

Where Are You Covered

The main difference between worker's compensation for agriculture and that for other industries is the coverage area. Other industries will cover any injury or illness that occurs as long as you are working. If you are delivering or picking up something for work and get into an accident, you are covered.

However, agricultural workers are only covered when they are on a property that is covered. In other words, you will not be covered if you are on the way to pick up a part for one of the machines. This area can be a bit fuzzy though, so you should contact a lawyer familiar with agricultural worker's compensation.

If you are scared of any retribution for filing a claim or are not sure whether you should file at all, contact Cole, Fisher, Cole, O'Keefe + Mahoney. We will make sure you receive the medical attention you need while not missing out on your pay. You need to spend all your energy trying to get better and not worrying about work, pain, or finances. Let us worry for you.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.