Tractor Rollover Accidents in Illinois

Helping Victims of Tractor Overturns Recover Fair Compensation 

Tractors are a common sight in Illinois, both on farms and roads throughout the state. These vehicles are used for numerous commercial and private purposes, but they also pose unique dangers due to their high center of gravity. Tractor rollover accidents can cause severe injuries to operators, bystanders, farm workers, and nearby drivers. 

Our Chicago farm injury lawyers can help victims of tractor rollover accidents recover compensation via workers’ compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits. Our team has decades of experience securing fair settlements to cover legal damages. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

An experienced law firm can be the key to receiving the compensation you deserve after a tractor rollover accident. 

Here are some past farm accident settlements we have secured for our clients:

• $3.85 million – At just 19 years old, Tyler was working near Kankakee on a rural development site when the tractor he was operating on a slope rolled over, crushing him underneath. He sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries, leading to permanent mobility limitations. Key factors in the case value included inadequate site safety planning, a lack of rollover safeguard on the equipment, and a lifelong impact on earning potential.
• $2 million – Danielle, a nursing student commuting through Joliet, was severely injured when her SUV was struck at high speed by another vehicle, causing a rollover. She sustained a traumatic brain injury and spinal fractures, which required long-term therapy and ended her ability to continue clinical training. The settlement reflected the seriousness of the crash and the significant career disruption.
• $1.37 million – While working at a grain processing facility in southern Illinois, Marco was pinned against a storage building when a co-worker accidentally backed a tractor into him. He suffered severe pelvic and leg fractures, requiring multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. The case value was influenced by poor visibility in the work zone and a lack of proper backup warning systems.
• $720,000 – After being rear-ended on I-294 by a semi-truck pulling a double trailer, James initially declined medical treatment and went to work. Over the following days, increasing pain led to the discovery of a cervical disc herniation, which required surgery. The settlement took into account the seriousness of the delayed diagnosis, the need for surgical intervention, and the resulting physical limitations.

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

IL Work Injury Lawyer has built a strong reputation because of our successful track record. Our top injury firm has maintained a five-star rating from AVVO, and some of our attorneys serve as contributing authors for the National Law Review. 

Types of Tractor Overturns

Let’s examine a few examples of specific accident types that could result in a serious injury to the operator or bystander, the most common being side and rear overturns.

Rear Overturns

Rear overturns occur when the tractor flips backward. The cause of this type of rollover accident could be climbing steep slopes or driving at excessive speeds. 

Side Overturns

If a tractor flips over on its side from an upright position, this is called a side overturn. Potential causes of a side overturn could be taking sharp turns, uneven terrain, tractors manufactured before the modern era, excessive speeds, and improper loading techniques. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Rollover Tractor Accidents in Illinois?

America’s farms represent a dangerous industry, with tractor rollover accidents being one of the top concerns. 

Here are some common causes of these incidents in Illinois:

• Operating the vehicle on steep slopes or uneven ground
• The absence of tractor rollover protective structures (ROPS)
• Excessive speed or turning on slopes
• Mechanical failures or poor maintenance practices
• Insufficient repairs by contractors
• Untrained or unsupervised operators 
• Overloaded or unbalanced equipment
• Adverse weather conditions, such as snow, ice, or rain

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Tractor Overturn Accidents?

Whether a tractor lacks rollover protection or is operating at high speeds, these accidents can lead to devastating injuries. The sheer size and weight of older tractors, in particular, can cause significant damage to the human body, especially if the operator doesn’t wear a seat belt. 

Here are some common farming injuries associated with tractor rollover crashes:

• Crush injuries
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Amputations
• Fatalities

What Damages Can Tractor Rollover Victims Recover in Illinois?

Although preventing injury depends on the actions of the operator, employer, and other entities, people can still get hurt when negligence is involved. 

Fortunately, you can seek compensation via a lawsuit to recover economic or non-economic damages.

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Funeral expenses for the surviving families (if the injuries were fatal)

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life

Punitive Damages

These are only awarded in cases that involve gross negligence or intentional misconduct. 

What Is the Average Tractor Overturn Accident Payout in Illinois?

Settlement values depend on several factors, including the severity of the injury, liability, insurance coverage, and the amount of legal damages. The average payout for a tractor accident in Illinois is $1.65 million, with a settlement range of $2,400 to $7.1 million. 

Example Case Filed in Cook County

In 2012, Adam was driving his car northbound on I-88 when he was rear-ended by a Kenworth tractor being driven by a man named Cory. Adam suffered from injuries to his shoulder, arm, and neck, while a passenger sustained a lip injury. The plaintiffs sued Cory and his employer for negligent operation of the tractor, claiming that the company was vicariously liable for the accident. 

A settlement of $950,000 was reached, with the majority of the amount going to Adam. 

Why You Need a Tractor Rollover Accident Lawyer

Tractor rollover accidents can lead to very complex liability issues. Multiple defendants may be involved, and it may not be easy to prove negligence after the collision. 

Working with an expert attorney from IL Work Injury Lawyer can increase your chances of securing compensation for your serious injury. Whether the tractor lacked safety equipment (such as a roll bar) or the brake pedals failed due to a mechanical issue, our team will investigate the accident scene to determine the cause.

Your lawyer will gather crucial evidence, such as equipment inspection reports and terrain documentation. Our firm can handle cases in Cook County and rural communities across Illinois. 

How Common Are Tractor Overturn Accidents in Illinois?

Farming injury statistics reveal tractors are the leading cause of death for American farmers. The tractor overturn fatality rate is extremely concerning, causing roughly 96 deaths each year. 

One in seven farmers involved in tractor rollover accidents becomes permanently disabled. 

Where Do Tractor Rollovers Happen Most Often in Illinois?

Although tractor stability can be an issue anywhere in the state, some locations are more prone to rollover accidents than others.

Agricultural Zones

• McHenry
• Kankakee
• McLean
• Rockford

Suburban Development Sites

• Bolingbrook
• Naperville
• Plainfield

The presence of the farming community in these areas means more tractors are used on agricultural land and nearby roads, increasing the risk of tractor-related deaths and injuries. 

What Laws Govern Tractor Overturn Claims in Illinois?

Multiple laws govern compensation claims in Illinois that involve tractor operators. 

The Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) enables injured workers to file for benefits, including lost wages and medical expenses. However, US farms that use fewer than 400 labor days per quarter are exempt from providing workers’ compensation. 

If rollovers happen due to faulty equipment, tractor manufacturers could be held liable for defective products under 735 ILCS 5/2-21. A property owner may be responsible for failing to maintain a safe environment under 740 ILCS 130/. If the safety risk results in a fatality, surviving family members can pursue compensation under the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/).

Lastly, experienced operators, employers, and manufacturers must adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations regarding safety device usage and rollover protection. If the operator or creator fails to install proper equipment in the protective zone, they may violate 29 CFR 1928.51.

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

The statute of limitations for personal injuries in Illinois is two years from the date of the incident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For a farm accident workers’ compensation claim, you have three years from the incident or two years from the last benefit payment. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Failing to Prevent Rollover Accidents in Illinois?

Several parties could be liable for a tractor rollover injury:

• Property owners
• Equipment manufacturers for new tractors
• Maintenance providers
• Employers (workers’ comp only)
• General contractors or site supervisors
• Subcontractors or third-party vendors

Common Defenses in Illinois Tractor Overturn Cases

Defense teams may use several tactics to undermine your farm injury lawsuit:

• (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) Illinois Comparative Negligence Law
• Unauthorized use of the tractor
• Equipment modification
• A lack of training responsibility
• No prior incidents
• Proper protective measures were in place

Our legal team can help establish negligence by gathering evidence. 

How to Strengthen Your Tractor Rollover Accident Case in Illinois

Following the proper steps after a rollover accident can help you build a stronger claim:

• Seek medical care immediately
• Preserve the equipment and accident scene
• Obtain OSHA documents or inspection reports
• Document employment records and lost income
• Avoid giving recorded statements
• Contact IL Work Injury Lawyer early

How a Tractor Overturn Accident Attorney Can Help

We provide essential legal services to help you earn the compensation you deserve, whether the accident was caused by a sharp turn downhill, failed brakes, operator error, or the tractor’s high center of gravity.

Here is what we can offer for your claim:

• Investigating cause and liability
• Hiring engineering and safety experts to inspect standard equipment
• Managing workers’ compensation and personal injury claims
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing lawsuits in local circuit courts
• Preparing every case for trial if necessary

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a tractor rollover accident lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we win your case, and payment is extracted from the settlement. 

Who can file a tractor overturn accident lawsuit in Illinois?

Injured workers, independent contractors, and family members of deceased victims may file, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Book a Free Consultation

IL Work Injury Lawyer is ready to guide you through the claims process. We have experience holding various negligent parties accountable, such as workers who operate tractors, large corporations like John Deere, and employers who fail to enforce safety practices.

We work on a contingency fee agreement and offer a free case evaluation, so there are no upfront costs for our services. Our Chicago work injury law firm has statewide reach, decades of experience, and a compassionate approach. 

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.