Hay Baler Accidents in Illinois

Helping Victims of Hay Baler Accidents Recover Fair Compensation 

Hay balers are large machines that play a crucial role on Illinois farms to create bales of hay. However, when they are in operation or being pulled by a tractor to make bales, they can be extremely hazardous for various reasons, such as untrained operators, being entangled in faulty components with no guard, or poor driving techniques. Hay baler accidents can cause serious injuries to operators or bystanders. 

Our Chicago farm injury attorneys know what it takes to pursue legal action against the at-fault party in a hay baler-related incident. Whether you are considering a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit, our team will help you recover compensation. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

When you seek compensation for injuries caused by farm equipment, you need a law firm with experience in this industry.

• $8.4 million – Derrick, a 32-year-old roofing subcontractor, was working on a barn renovation near Peoria when he fell over 20 feet due to the absence of fall protection. The impact caused spinal fractures and a traumatic brain injury, leaving him permanently disabled. The substantial recovery reflected the general contractor’s failure to provide harnesses or anchor points.
• $7 million – While operating a commercial tilling machine on a large-scale farm outside Decatur, Luis’s arm was pulled into the machinery due to a missing safety guard. He underwent multiple surgeries and ultimately required an above-elbow amputation. The case focused on a defective design and failure to warn, and the high value reflected both the severity of the injury and Luis’s inability to return to work in agriculture.
• $4.2 million – A crew of workers, led by José, was hired to clean out storage tanks at a central Illinois agribusiness when they were exposed to high concentrations of ammonia and other chemicals. None were given respiratory protection, and several suffered long-term lung damage. The settlement accounted for permanent respiratory impairment and lack of protective protocols.
• $3.85 million – DeShawn, a 19-year-old seasonal worker from the south side of Chicago, was operating a tractor on sloped terrain outside Rockford when it overturned, crushing him beneath. He suffered a shattered pelvis, internal injuries, and long-term loss of mobility. The case value was influenced by the employer’s failure to provide training or install a Rollover Protection System (ROPS).
• $1.37 million – Eli, a farmhand working near Springfield, was trapped against a metal outbuilding when a tractor reversed into him without warning. He sustained complex pelvic fractures and required multiple surgeries. Investigators found that the tractor lacked functioning backup alarms and mirrors, and the operator had received no formal training.

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

Our firm is uniquely positioned to help you navigate a complex hay baler accident claim. Our attorneys are recognized among the top 5% of legal professionals by Super Lawyers, and we maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Baler Accidents in Illinois?

Several issues can cause farming accidents involving hay balers:

• A tractor pulled the hay baler over uneven ground
• Lack of proper guard or emergency shutoff switches
• Failure to train or supervise the operator
• Defective machine design
• Operating while the machinery is jammed or unpowered
• Bypassed safety interlocks or lockout/tagout failures
• Loose clothing caught in moving parts

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Hay Baler Accidents?

If you are injured in a hay baler accident, the consequences could be severe. Common farm accident injuries include:

• Amputations (hands, arms, fingers)
• Crush injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Traumatic brain injuries (if struck or pulled in)
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding
• Death

What Damages Can Hay Baler Accident Victims Recover in Illinois?

The two primary categories of losses are economic and non-economic losses:

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Future earning capacity
• Medical bills
• Funeral expenses (for family members if the victim dies)

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement or disability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life

Punitive Damages

These may be awarded in hay baler accidents caused by gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. 

What Is the Average Hay Baler Accident Payout?

Although hay baler accidents are rare, they can result in substantial settlements. The average settlement for farm accident cases involving hay balers is $2.56 million. Settlements range from $118,600 to $10.2 million. Factors that can influence your claim include the severity of the injury, liability, insurance coverage, and legal damages. 

Example Cases

In 1995, Harry was using a large baler when he noticed a strange squealing noise when it was powered up. Harry pulled himself up to inspect the top of the hay baler when the exposed belts on the machine pulled his left arm into the machinery and severed it at the elbow after it was trapped briefly. He sued the hay baler manufacturers for failing to design a guard for exposed machinery. Harry was awarded $10.2 million.

In 1998, James was using an older hay baler on his farm. He suffered amputations in both of his arms when they got caught in the machine. He sued the manufacturer for a defective product, while the manufacturer claimed James was misusing the machinery. The case was settled pre-trial for $2.45 million. 

Why You Need a Baler Accident Lawyer

Whether your arms became entangled in exposed components or someone else was misusing the machine, a hay baler accident case can be complex. IL Work Injury Lawyer can guide you through the legal process to overcome various challenges, such as:

• Multiple parties with liability, such as the employer, manufacturer, or property owner
• Preserving evidence for the claim, such as machine inspection reports, surveillance footage, and owner manuals
• Litigating cases in Cook County Circuit Court

How Common Are Baler Accidents?

Since 2020, there have been 32 reported injuries resulting from hay baler accidents. Farming injury statistics reveal that 12 of these cases resulted in a death. 

Where Do Hay Baler Accidents Happen Most Often in Illinois?

Though moving parts in hay balers can cause devastating injuries, there are only a few locations where hay baler accidents are likely to occur:

• Farms and rural worksites in Kankakee, McHenry, and Champaign
• Feed stores or agricultural suppliers
• Farm equipment dealerships
• Maintenance shops
• Suburban lots used for creating hay bales or storage

What Laws Govern Baler Injury Claims in Illinois?

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), a person can seek benefits if they get injured on the job due to hay baler accidents. However, small farms that use less than 400 days of labor per quarter are exempt from providing this type of insurance. 

Multiple state laws can impact a farm accident personal injury lawsuit. The Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) allows surviving family members to seek compensation if their loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence. 

Under product liability laws (735 ILCS 5/2-21), companies that manufacture or sell dangerous products can be held liable for legal damages. Property owners must take reasonable steps to maintain safe premises for lawful guests (740 ILCS 130/).

Lastly, violating OSHA standards, such as those found in 1928.57(d)(2)(iii), can make various parties liable for hay baler accidents that cause injuries. 

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

If you have been injured in a hay baler accident as an operator or bystander, you have two years from the date of the incident to pursue damages from the at-fault party (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Who Is Legally Liable for Hay Baler Accidents in Illinois?

Liability plays a key role in the outcome of compensation claims in Illinois. Here are some entities that may be responsible for the hazards that caused your accident:

• Employers (if covered by comp)
• Equipment manufacturers
• Maintenance contractors
• Landowners or facility operators
• Farm co-ops or dealers

Common Defenses in Illinois Baler Accident Cases

If the at-fault party hires legal counsel, these lawyers will use tactics to undermine your claim and reduce the payout. Some common defenses include:

• The plaintiff was partially at fault for the hay baler accident (735 ILCS 5/2-1116)
• Unauthorized use
• Equipment was modified
• There is no design defect
• Protective measures were in place to prevent risk
• There are no prior incidents

We can counter these defenses with expert testimony, witness statements, and OSHA records.

How to Strengthen Your Baler Accident Case in Illinois

• Seek medical attention
• Photograph the accident scene, especially hazards
• Secure the equipment for inspection
• Get OSHA or coroner reports
• Avoid making recorded statements
• Contact our top-rated firm before speaking with anyone

How a Baler Accident Attorney Can Help

IL Work Injury Lawyer will provide essential legal services, including:

• Identifying liable parties
• Handling workers’ compensation and lawsuit filings
• Preserving evidence
• Consulting safety experts
• Negotiating for full compensation
• Litigating in local courts, such as Cook County

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a hay baler accident lawyer in Illinois?

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win. 

Who can file a baler accident lawsuit in Illinois?

Farm workers, bystanders, and surviving family members can file hay baler accident claims, depending on the circumstances of the case. 

Book a Free Consultation

Our Chicago work injury law firm is prepared to guide you through the claims process and secure compensation, whether you are suffering from lacerations, amputations, crush injuries, or other consequences. You pay nothing unless we win, and our 98% success rate speaks for itself. 

You can also take advantage of a free consultation to ask questions about the legal process and your hay baler accident. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.