What to do after a farm equipment accident
Defective Products - February 18, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Rural farm equipment accidents can cause severe injuries, and knowing what to do afterward can make a significant impact on your ability to move forward. If your accident resulted from faulty equipment or parts, our Chicago defective product lawyers can help you create a plan of action and build a case against the manufacturer. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, your goals and well-being are our top priority, and we work hard to secure maximum results for you.
Defective equipment can be grounds for a product liability claim
Defective farming equipment can make an already dangerous industry even more hazardous. Illinois has strict product liability laws protecting consumers from harm. When equipment fails to work as intended, farmers can suffer a variety of perils. Any type of farm equipment can cause injuries if the parts and software are not manufactured correctly.
These types of accidents have profound effects on your life and put your health and livelihood at stake. They can also result in massive costs that may be financially debilitating. However, you may be entitled to take legal action to offset your losses when a manufacturer’s negligence is the underlying cause.
In these situations, you can file a product liability claim if your injuries were caused by design or manufacturing defects in the farm equipment or by insufficient warnings. You and your product liability lawyer can hold manufacturers accountable for not taking greater care during the development or dissemination of the equipment.
Take these steps after a farm equipment accident for your protection
Farm equipment accidents caused by defective products have the potential to be catastrophic. The impacts on an individual and their family can have long-term repercussions, and recovering as many losses as possible is important for easing the burden and moving forward again.
However, to get the resources you need, you must first provide evidence of the accident and proceed through an insurance or legal process. To set your claim up for success, follow the steps below after a rural farm equipment accident:
Get prompt medical attention
Given the size and sharpness of farm equipment, it can cause immense damage in an accident. It is not uncommon for farmers to suffer the following:
- Crushing injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Brain injuries
- Spine injuries
It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a farm equipment accident. Quick treatment can save your life and treat any internal injuries you may have suffered. Keep all records, documents, and bills from your medical treatment as evidence for your claim. Your personal injury lawyer will use them to calculate the value of your claim accurately.
Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim
Whether you only file an insurance claim or take legal measures, you’ll need evidence to support your claim. Photograph the accident, the surroundings, your injuries, and any other relevant forms of evidence that should be preserved.
Videos can also be helpful forms of evidence. If witnesses were present when the accident occurred, be sure to get statements from them. If a police report was filed, be sure to request a copy.
Hire a lawyer to advocate for you
Hire a defective products lawyer to help you negotiate a fair settlement from insurance companies or manufacturers. They can protect your rights and help you navigate the process to get the resources you need. A lawyer will also be able to answer your questions and provide advice so nothing happens to hurt your claim.
They will also fight to get you maximum compensation to recover your losses. Your lawyer will also ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations per 735 ILCS /13-213.
File an insurance claim to recover your losses
If your accident resulted from defective farm equipment, you may be able to file a claim with the manufacturer’s insurance company for your injuries. Having a lawyer negotiate your claim for you is important, as the insurance company may not want to offer a fair settlement. However, a lawyer can make the insurance company pay you what you are entitled to receive.
Additionally, you should inform your insurance company about the accident and talk to a lawyer about further action if insurance is insufficient to cover your losses.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates goes to work for you
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is committed to helping you when you have been in a defective farm equipment accident. These injuries can affect your ability to work and make a living, and our experienced team can soften this blow by negotiating on your behalf to secure maximum compensation.
We fight for you so you have what you need to recover properly and return to your livelihood as quickly as possible. To learn more about how we can represent you in a defective farm equipment case, contact us online or call our firm at (800) 985-1819 to schedule your free consultation.
