Agriculture is the leading industry in Georgia, generating over $83 billion for the state’s economy each year and providing jobs for more than 320,000 residents. However, Agriculture is also one of Georgia’s most dangerous industries and agricultural accidents are common. Accidents in this industry don’t just cause injuries—they destroy the ability to earn a living, provide for a family, and live independently. These cases often involve serious harm: amputations from unguarded equipment, respiratory damage from pesticide exposure, or fatal incidents inside grain bins and processing plants. The people hurt are often essential laborers—overlooked, not protected, and, too often, denied fair treatment. These accidents are not treated with urgency by employers or insurers.
Georgia Agriculture Accident Lawyer
At McArthur Law Firm, we represent victims of agriculture accidents throughout Georgia. We understand the structure of these worksites, the tactics used to avoid liability, and the laws that apply when corporations fail to meet their obligations.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
What Counts as a Georgia Agriculture Accident
Equipment Accidents in Processing Facilities — Heavy machinery is used in places like peanut mills, poultry plants, and cotton gins. Accidents happen when machines malfunction, lack safety guards, or are poorly maintained. Workers can get pulled into belts, crushed by rollers, or struck by moving parts.
Pesticide and Chemical Exposure — Agriculture operations in Georgia often involve large-scale use of pesticides and industrial chemicals. Exposure may occur during spraying, mixing, or handling these substances in greenhouses or storage areas. Victims can suffer respiratory damage, skin burns, or long-term illness. The Georgia Pesticide Use and Application Act (O.C.G.A. § 2-7-100) governs pesticide safety.
Grain Bin and Silo Entrapments — In grain storage facilities and silos, accidents can happen quickly. A worker entering a grain bin without proper safety harnesses or a lockout-tagout procedure can be buried alive in seconds.
Heat Stroke and Dehydration During Field Labor — During peak seasons, Georgia’s agricultural laborers—especially those on temporary work visas—face long hours in intense heat.
Vehicle Accidents on Agriculture Worksites — Injuries also happen when workers are hit by or fall from agricultural vehicles like sprayers, forklifts, or flatbed trucks. These accidents can occur on private property or during transportation between facilities.
Livestock-Related Injuries in Commercial Settings — In some Georgia agriculture operations—especially poultry and livestock transport or holding facilities—workers may be injured by animal behavior. Being kicked, crushed, bitten, or trampled can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or internal damage. These incidents often occur in confined feeding operations or during loading/unloading processes.
Falls From Elevated Platforms or Machinery — Many workers in agriculture processing must climb catwalks, ladders, and elevated platforms—especially in storage, packaging, and chemical application facilities. Falls from these areas can lead to spinal cord injuries or permanent disability.
Confined Space Accidents — Georgia agriculture includes work in confined spaces like storage tanks, pesticide containment areas, and animal enclosures. These are hazardous environments due to lack of oxygen, chemical buildup, or entrapment risks.
Types of Injuries Sustained by Agriculture Accident Victims
Crush Injuries From Heavy Machinery — Crush injuries are common in agriculture work involving processing machines, storage equipment, and large transport vehicles. These injuries happen when a worker’s body part gets caught in moving parts like rollers, belts, or augers. The result can be broken bones, nerve damage, or even death. In Georgia, these injuries often require long-term medical care and may lead to permanent disability.
Amputations From Equipment Entanglement — Amputations can happen when a worker’s hand, foot, or limb gets pulled into unguarded machinery. This is common in cotton gins, peanut processors, and other high-speed equipment used in Georgia’s agriculture industry. These types of injuries are often life-changing and may require prosthetics and long-term rehabilitation.
Respiratory Damage From Chemical Exposure — Agriculture workers in Georgia are sometimes exposed to pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning chemicals. If inhaled over time or in large amounts, these substances can damage the lungs and cause chronic breathing problems. This can include conditions like reactive airway disease or chemical pneumonitis.
Burns From Chemicals or Hot Equipment — Some agriculture accidents result in burns caused by contact with hazardous substances or overheated machinery. Chemical burns can damage the skin, eyes, or internal organs if the substance is inhaled or splashed. Thermal burns often happen when workers handle machinery without proper insulation or safety shields. Both types of burns may require skin grafts or surgery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries From Falls or Blunt Force — Falls from ladders, grain bins, or elevated platforms can cause serious head trauma. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) also happen when workers are struck by tools, heavy objects, or vehicle components. Even a single incident can lead to lasting memory loss, cognitive decline, or seizures. TBIs are one of the most difficult injuries to treat and often go unnoticed at first.
Spinal Cord Injuries From Falls or Machinery Accidents — Falls and high-impact accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord. This may result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or reduced motor function. Spinal cord injuries typically require a lifetime of medical care, including physical therapy and assistive equipment.
Zoonotic Illness From Animal Contact — Agriculture workers who handle livestock or poultry can be exposed to zoonotic diseases—illnesses that spread from animals to humans. In Georgia, this often includes infections like salmonella, leptospirosis, or Q fever. These illnesses can cause fever, fatigue, and organ complications. Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop over time, depending on the type of exposure.
Heatstroke and Organ Damage From Overexertion — Outdoor fieldwork in Georgia’s summer heat puts workers at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These conditions can lead to kidney failure, brain swelling, or death if untreated. Long-term effects may include heart strain and reduced kidney function.
Eye Injuries From Debris or Chemicals — Agricultural environments are filled with dust, flying debris, and airborne chemicals that can easily injure a worker’s eyes. Injuries range from temporary irritation to permanent blindness. Even small particles can cause corneal damage or infection. Eye protection is essential, but injuries still happen often in fast-paced processing zones.
Internal Injuries From Vehicle Impacts — Workers struck by forklifts, sprayers, or loading equipment can suffer internal injuries. This includes damage to organs, internal bleeding, or broken ribs. These injuries may not be visible right away but can become life-threatening without immediate care. Internal trauma often occurs in busy warehouse or transport areas where visibility is low.
Determining Liability for an Agriculture Injury
Employer Responsibility Under Workers’ Compensation Law — If the injured person is an employee, the employer is generally responsible for medical costs and some lost wages under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1). This law applies whether or not the employer was at fault. However, workers’ compensation limits the employee’s ability to sue the employer directly in most cases.
Third-Party Liability for Unsafe Equipment — Injuries caused by defective machines or products may lead to liability for the manufacturer, seller, or distributor under the Georgia Product Liability laws in O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11. This includes cases where a product was defectively designed, lacked proper warnings, or failed during normal use. This type of claim is separate from workers’ compensation.
Property Owners and Site Operators — Agriculture accidents occurring on another’s property may create liability for the owner or operator under Georgia premises liability law, O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1. This law says property owners must keep their premises safe for people they invite to work or do business there. Failing to fix hazards or warn about dangerous conditions can lead to legal claims.
Contractors and Subcontractors — Injuries resulting from another company’s negligence, such as a subcontractor ignoring safety rules, may lead to liability under general negligence rules in O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, which allows claims for breaches of legal duty that result in harm.
Labor Contractors or Crew Leaders — Responsibility may fall on crew leaders or labor brokers if they place workers in dangerous conditions or fail to provide necessary training and equipment. These claims depend heavily on the facts and may involve legal questions about who qualifies as the employer under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1.
Underreporting of Agriculture Injuries
Many agriculture workers—especially seasonal laborers, migrant workers, or those on H-2A visas—stay silent about serious injuries because they fear losing their jobs or being deported. Others are never told they have the right to file a claim under Georgia law. As a result, dangerous conditions continue, and workers suffer without any medical care or legal support. Even though laws like O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1 and O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6 are in place to protect them, these workers often don’t know the system exists or are actively discouraged from using it. This silence keeps many hazardous workplaces from ever being held accountable.
The Role of a Georgia Agriculture Accident Attorney
The role of the attorney in these cases is highly specific. Unlike a typical workplace accident, agriculture injuries often involve overlapping liabilities—equipment manufacturers, property owners, and labor contractors may each bear legal responsibility. A Georgia Agriculture Accident Attorney must evaluate every aspect of the site, the equipment involved, and the relationships between multiple business entities. This work requires not just investigation, but a clear understanding of how Georgia law applies to agriculture operations and the exemptions often claimed by employers.
The attorney’s job is also to pursue full and lawful compensation. That could include current and future medical costs, lost earning capacity, permanent impairment, and, when supported by the facts, damages for pain and suffering. In death cases, claims are pursued under Georgia’s wrongful death statute, where damages are valued based on the full value of the life lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do right after an agriculture accident?
Report the accident, get medical care, and write down everything that happened.
Can a person still get compensation if the accident happened while working?
Yes. Georgia’s workers’ compensation law, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1, usually covers work injuries.
What if the accident was caused by a broken or dangerous machine?
The manufacturer could be responsible under Georgia’s product liability law, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11.
How long does someone have to file a personal injury lawsuit for an agriculture injury?
Most claims must be filed within two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Can a family file a lawsuit if someone dies in an agriculture accident?
Yes. Georgia’s wrongful death law, O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, allows this.
What if another company or subcontractor caused the injury?
That company may be liable under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, which covers negligence.
Additional Resources
- CDC – Agriculture Worker Safety and Health — This CDC page outlines safety and health information for agricultural workers. It includes injury and fatality statistics, risk factors, and programs aimed at preventing accidents and illnesses. The site also lists resources and surveys related to worker safety, especially for youth and older farm workers.
- OSHA – Agricultural Operations — This OSHA resource explains workplace safety standards and hazards specific to agricultural operations. It covers topics like equipment safety, chemical exposure, and protective measures. The page includes links to training materials and publications to help employers and workers manage risks.
- Georgia Department of Agriculture – About the Georgia Department of Agriculture — This page explains the role and responsibilities of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. It describes the department’s regulatory functions over food safety, animal health, and consumer protection. The site also includes contact information, programs, and links to agricultural resources such as farmers markets and licensing services. It helps users learn what the department does and how to reach out for help or information.
- OSHA – Georgia Farm Safety Violations and Fatality — This OSHA news release describes a workplace fatality at a Georgia farm and the safety violations found during the investigation. It details the events that led to the incident and the resulting citations and penalties. It highlights the safety hazards involved, including lack of emergency planning and machine guarding.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Agricultural Accident Injuries in Cobb County, Georgia
Agricultural accidents can lead to some of the most serious workplace injuries. Whether you or a loved one have been injured while working on a farm or in any other agricultural setting, you need to contact the experienced personal and workplace injury lawyers at McArthur Law Firm. McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
