Farming is one of the most dangerous jobs in Georgia. The work involves powerful machinery, large animals, and harsh conditions—all of which create serious risks when safety measures are skipped or equipment fails. These are not routine injuries. A tractor rollover, a silo collapse, or a faulty auger can leave a worker with permanent damage or worse. And unlike other industries, farming in Georgia often falls outside standard regulatory protections. Many farmworkers don’t even have access to workers’ compensation because of exemptions under Georgia law. When a catastrophic injury happens on a farm, the legal questions are immediate—and the consequences of inaction are severe.
Georgia Farming Accident Lawyer
McArthur Law Firm represents workers and families affected by serious farming accidents across Georgia. These cases demand an understanding of how farming equipment is used, how accidents occur in that setting, and how to apply Georgia’s statutes to secure financial recovery.
Child injury cases are not routine, and they shouldn’t be treated that way. These cases call for real courtroom skill, careful legal strategy, and a willingness to go the distance. A child’s entire future may be on the line. There’s no room for shortcuts.
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
Common Types of Farming Accidents in Georgia
Tractor Rollovers And Equipment Malfunctions — One of the most dangerous types of farming accidents in Georgia involves tractors and other heavy equipment. Rollovers are a leading cause of farm-related deaths, often happening when tractors tip on uneven ground or while pulling heavy loads. Some older tractors do not have rollover protection systems, and many workers are not given proper training before operating the machinery. In some cases, parts fail because of poor maintenance or product defects.
Grain Bin And Silo Accidents — Grain storage areas like silos and bins can be deadly. Workers may be pulled down by flowing grain and suffocate within seconds. These accidents are often made worse by a lack of safety equipment, such as harnesses or ventilation systems.
Livestock Injuries — Cows, pigs, horses, and other livestock can cause serious injuries when startled or not handled properly. Workers can be kicked, trampled, or pinned between animals and fences. These injuries often happen when animals are being fed, moved, or treated.
Pesticide And Chemical Exposure — Farmers and workers in Georgia often handle pesticides and herbicides, some of which are toxic. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, or even cancer. Acute exposure can cause burns, poisoning, or organ damage. If a chemical is mislabeled or handled without proper warnings or protective gear, victims may have a legal claim for damages.
Falls From Barns, Silos, And Ladders — Falls are another common cause of serious injury on Georgia farms. These often happen when workers climb ladders, walk on slick roofs, or move between levels in barns and silos. Injuries may include broken bones, head trauma, or paralysis.
Heat Stroke And Weather-Related Injuries — Georgia’s hot climate makes heat stroke and dehydration a real danger, especially during planting and harvest seasons. Workers sometimes labor for long hours without enough water, breaks, or shade.
Public Road Accidents Involving Farm Vehicles — Slow-moving tractors and other farm equipment often travel on rural roads in Georgia. These vehicles are large, hard to see, and not always marked properly. Crashes can happen when other drivers try to pass or when the farm vehicle enters the road without warning.
Injuries Caused by Georgia Farming Accidents
Amputations And Crush Injuries — Among the most devastating outcomes in Georgia farming accidents are amputations, which often occur when limbs are caught in moving parts of machinery like tractors, balers, or augers. Similarly, crush injuries frequently result from entrapment between heavy equipment, gates, or livestock, often requiring emergency surgery and leading to long-term disability.
Chemical Burns And Lung Damage — Exposure to herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers on Georgia farms can lead to severe injuries. These substances may burn skin or eyes upon contact and, when inhaled, can harm the lungs or internal organs. Long-term exposure can result in chronic health conditions that demand continuous medical attention.
Traumatic Brain Injuries — Serious accidents involving falls from equipment, impacts from livestock, or blows from tools can lead to TBIs. These injuries vary in severity but can significantly impair cognitive and motor functions. The danger increases because symptoms may develop slowly, delaying critical treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries And Paralysis — When farmworkers suffer falls, vehicle accidents, or become trapped under machinery, the resulting spinal injuries can be life-altering. The degree of paralysis depends on the injury location, and recovery is typically prolonged, costly, and sometimes incomplete.
Heat Stroke And Severe Dehydration — Georgia’s extreme heat poses a major risk during prolonged outdoor labor without adequate hydration or rest. Heat stroke manifests through symptoms such as confusion or seizures and may progress to organ failure. Meanwhile, ongoing dehydration can inflict lasting harm on kidney function.
Chronic Illnesses From Repeated Exposure — Continuous contact with farm-related irritants like dust, animal waste, or chemicals can lead to serious health issues. Conditions such as asthma, dermatitis, and even neurological diseases like Parkinson’s have been associated with long-term occupational exposure.
Identifying Who’s at Fault in a Georgia Farming Accident
Farm Owners Or Employers — In some farming accidents, the farm owner or employer may be responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to the injury. Georgia’s workers’ compensation law, the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1), requires many employers to carry insurance that provides medical care and wage replacement to injured workers. However, small farms and family-operated farms may be exempt from this law, meaning not all workers are covered. If the employer failed to follow safety practices or forced workers to operate in dangerous conditions, they may also be held responsible under Georgia’s general negligence laws.
Equipment Manufacturers — If a farming accident was caused by a defective tractor, auger, or other machine, the manufacturer may be legally responsible. Georgia’s product liability law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11) says that a company can be held liable if their product was not properly designed, had a manufacturing defect, or didn’t come with proper warnings. These cases may involve complicated evidence about how the equipment was built, maintained, or used, and often require expert witnesses.
Chemical Suppliers — When exposure to dangerous chemicals causes injury or illness, the companies that made or sold those substances may be responsible. If the product didn’t include proper instructions, safety warnings, or labeling, or if it was more dangerous than expected, Georgia law allows victims to bring a product liability claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11. Some cases may also involve claims for negligent misrepresentation if a seller failed to warn users about the risks.
Outside Contractors Or Third Parties — Farms often hire outside companies to repair equipment, apply chemicals, or transport materials. If a worker from one of these companies causes an accident, that company might be liable. These cases are handled under Georgia’s negligence statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6), which allows injured people to seek compensation when someone fails to use reasonable care and causes harm.
Deadlines in Farming Accident Claims — Victims usually have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Workers’ compensation claims must be filed within one year of the injury date, under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82. These deadlines can change depending on the facts of each case, so it’s important to get legal help right away.
What to Expect from a Georgia Farming Accident Attorney
A Georgia Farming Accident Attorney focuses specifically on injuries that occur in farming operations. This includes accidents involving tractors, combines, augers, grain bins, hay balers, and animal handling—all of which are common on Georgia farms. The attorney’s role is to determine exactly how the injury happened and identify every party who may be legally responsible. That includes assessing whether the farm falls under or outside of Georgia’s workers’ compensation statute (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1), and whether other claims may be brought under Georgia’s product liability statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11) or general negligence law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6).
Once liability is established, the attorney fights for all damages allowed by Georgia law. This includes payment for hospital bills, future medical costs, lost income, loss of earning potential, and compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement. In wrongful death cases, the attorney may pursue full value of life damages under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. These claims are often hard-fought and highly technical, especially when defendants deny responsibility or try to shift blame. A farming accident attorney brings the legal experience and case-building skill necessary to challenge those defenses and hold the right parties accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do after a farm accident in Georgia?
Get medical help, report it, take pictures, and call a farming injury lawyer.
Can a farmworker sue their employer in Georgia?
Only if the farm doesn’t have workers’ comp or acted with gross negligence.
Are all farmworkers covered by workers’ comp in Georgia?
No. Some small farms are not required to carry it.
Can a family sue if a worker dies in a farm accident?
Yes. They can file a wrongful death claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2.
How long does someone have to file a claim?
Two years for injury lawsuits. One year for workers’ comp.
Can an undocumented worker get benefits in Georgia?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect injury rights under Georgia law.
What if the worker was partly at fault?
Georgia allows recovery if the worker is less than 50% at fault (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33).
Should someone hire a lawyer for a farm injury claim?
Yes. These cases are complicated and require legal knowledge.
How much money can someone get for pain and suffering?
It depends on how serious the injury is and the impact on life.
Can someone sue if a machine caused the injury?
Yes. If the machine was defective, a product liability claim may be possible.
Additional Resources
- Accident Extrication Procedures for Farm Families and Employees (University of Georgia) — This publication provides guidelines on how to respond during farming accidents, especially when dealing with machinery, livestock, chemicals, or fire. It covers safety steps like stabilizing the scene, assisting the victim, and when to get help. It is designed to help people on farms who have limited emergency training know what actions to take when accidents happen.
- Farmworker Hazards & Controls (OSHA) — This OSHA page outlines common workplace hazards farmworkers face and gives examples of controls to reduce risks. Topics include machinery, chemicals, heat, respiratory issues, and hazards for youth. It serves as a reference for understanding farm safety rules and how to make agricultural work safer.
- Farmworker Health Program (Georgia Department of Community Health) — This program provides primary healthcare services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families across 21 rural Georgia counties. It includes information on clinic locations, services offered, and contact details. The goal is to make sure farmworkers have access to basic and preventive healthcare resources.
- Health and Safety for Kids on the Farm (CDC) — This archived CDC page discusses risks children face on farms and how injuries can be prevented. It describes a national initiative to collect better data and create prevention programs for children in farming environments. The resource provides background on why kids are vulnerable and what efforts are being made to improve safety.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Farming Accident Injuries in Cobb County, Georgia
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
