Farm & Construction Accidents

North Dakota, Minnesota & Montana Farm & Construction Accident Attorneys

In North Dakota and Minnesota, agriculture is one of our largest industries. At Maring Williams Law Office, we have an appreciation for the incredible sacrifices and hard work it takes to make a farm successful. Several of us grew up on or around farms and have a firsthand understanding of farm life.

Unfortunately, farming has become one of the most dangerous industries in our country. The farming industry has the highest death rate of any industry in the United States. According to industry publications, approximately 1,600 deaths and 1,600,000 injuries occur yearly due to farm accidents. Potential hazards include having body parts entangled in mechanical equipment, exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances, being attacked by large animals, electrocutions, or suffocating in a grain bin.

Numerous and complex insurance provisions and laws govern farming. To complicate matters, if someone is working with a farmer, there may or may not be an employer/employee relationship. Every farming accident is unique and there may or may not be coverage to compensate you for your injury.

Generally speaking, the types of farm accidents that may be compensable include:

• Equipment that is not properly maintained or has an inherent defect.
• Injuries caused by a lack of safety guards, which have been removed for either maintenance or because they are inconvenient. If a guard has been removed, and the operator is unaware of the risk, there may be negligence on the part of the owner.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals due to lack of training, improper storage, improper equipment, or malfunction of equipment.
• Fire from improper storage of flammable liquids.

Construction Accidents

People who are injured on construction projects are often covered by Workforce Safety & Insurance in North Dakota or a private insurance company in Minnesota and Montana. Unfortunately, most often, Workforce Safety and Insurance is the only remedy available for a work-related injury.

However, there are exceptions which include:

• A company/contractor who is not covered by Workforce Safety & Insurance or private insurance; or
• When a party other than the employer or a co-employee is responsible for the injury.

Working with the Workforce Safety & Insurance and private insurance companies, as well as understanding the ever-changing laws covering work-related injuries, is extremely complex and difficult.

If you are involved in an accident at work, please contact Maring Williams Law Office so we can discuss your case and make sure there are no third parties responsible for your injuries from which you may be able to seek compensation.