Understanding Farm Accidents, Law, and Worker Safety in Missouri

Why Farm Safety Matters in Missouri

Today, we’re taking a closer look at farm accidents in Missouri, a critical issue across the Midwest and especially here in Kansas City’s surrounding rural counties. Agriculture is the backbone of our state, but it’s also one of the most dangerous professions in America. Understanding farm injury law, workers’ rights, and insurance coverage is essential for protecting both farmers and farmhands.

Missouri’s Agricultural Landscape and Hidden Dangers

With more than 95,000 farms across the state, Missouri’s agricultural industry drives billions in annual production. From Jackson County to Cass and Clay Counties, farmers spend long hours operating heavy machinery, handling chemicals, and working through unpredictable weather conditions.

Unfortunately, this environment also creates serious injury risks, especially during harvest season. Common farm accidents include:

• Tractor and combine rollovers

• Grain bin suffocation or entrapment

• Chemical burns or pesticide exposure

• Equipment entanglement and machinery malfunctions

• Slips, trips, and falls from silos or barns

At Northland Injury Law, we frequently see how quickly a normal workday on the farm can turn catastrophic. While many assume such accidents are “just part of the job,” Missouri law provides several potential paths for compensation.

The Legal Framework: What Happens After a Farm Accident in Missouri

Missouri does not have a statute exclusively for farm accidents, but injured workers and families can often pursue claims under general negligence, product liability, or workers’ compensation law.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces agricultural safety standards, though smaller farms may fall outside their regular inspection scope—leaving many workers vulnerable to unsafe conditions.

Missouri Workers’ Compensation and the Farm Labor Exemption

Under the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Act, most employers with five or more employees are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. However, farm laborers are typically exempt—meaning many agricultural workers are not automatically covered if they’re injured on the job.

If you were injured while working on a farm and your employer doesn’t provide workers’ compensation coverage, you may still be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek damages for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages and future earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent disability or wrongful death

These cases often require investigation into who was responsible—whether it’s an employer, equipment manufacturer, or third-party contractor.

What Farm Owners Should Know About Liability and Insurance

For farm owners, carrying optional workers’ compensation insurance is one of the most effective ways to protect both workers and the operation itself. Without it, one serious injury can lead to expensive lawsuits, property liens, or bankruptcy.

Choosing the right insurance coverage can:

• Protect against employee injury claims

• Cover accidents involving visitors or delivery personnel

• Provide financial protection during litigation

If a farm owner cancels their insurance, they assume full liability for workplace injuries—a costly risk in today’s farming environment.

Real-World Missouri Cases and Lessons Learned

Missouri courts have seen tragic examples of farm-related injury and wrongful death cases, including:

• Grain bin entrapment fatalities in northwest Missouri

• Pesticide exposure lawsuits leading to chronic illness

• Equipment malfunctions resulting in amputations or spinal injuries

These cases underscore the importance of safety training, equipment maintenance, and legal readiness. Many of these tragedies could have been prevented through better oversight and awareness of workers’ rights.

Protecting Your Rights After a Farm Accident

If you’ve been injured while working on a Missouri farm, you may be entitled to compensation—even if your employer doesn’t carry workers’ comp. A qualified Kansas City personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether you have a case under negligence, product liability, or wrongful death law.

At Northland Injury Law, we’re proud to stand up for Missouri’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. We help clients navigate complex farm accident claims across Kansas City, Liberty, Excelsior Springs, and rural Missouri communities.

Contact a Missouri Farm Accident Attorney

Farm work shouldn’t mean putting your life or livelihood at risk.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on a farm, call Northland Injury Law today for a free consultation with your trusted Kansas City farm accident lawyer.