A grain auger is one of the most hazardous machines used on farms. It is a long tube transporting grain from the ground to a grain bin. It typically has a screw-shaped shank controlled via a gear at the top of the auger. When the shank turns, the grain is propelled upward in the auger’s tube.

If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury or death due to a grain auger accident, please call our law office for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400.

One mistake or oversight can result in an auger operator losing a limb or their lives. This is because manufacturers neglect to utilize essential safety features such as intake screens and shields that would significantly decrease the risk of a severe injury that may occur. 

Unfortunately, the harm workers suffer in grain auger accidents is often quite severe and may result in debilitating bodily injuries. The most common types of injuries include:

• Amputation Injuries – Limb loss (e.g., hand, arm, leg, etc.)
• Electrocution
• Broken bones
• Ligament tears
• Severe cuts and lacerations

In cases of severe injuries, the loss of a family member in an auger-related incident, or income reduction stemming from an auger injury, you may have grounds to seek compensation. This could encompass financial recovery beyond what Worker’s Compensation provides.

Due to the safety risks of grain augers, state and federal regulations are associated with operating and maintaining a grain auger. Unfortunately, after a severe accident, evidence usually surfaces, indicating that the incident could have been avoided if only the employer or another worker had taken necessary safety precautions. Below are some examples of safety protocols that have been recommended by federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are often ignored include:

• Fencing was not used to prevent individuals not involved in the operation of the grain auger (e.g., non-trained employees, visitors, etc.) from entering the work area.
• Someone under the age of 18 was allowed to operate a grain auger or was allowed to enter the area where the auger was in use.
• The auger lacked a protective shield.
• The power was not shut off properly.
• The grain auger was not lowered adequately to a horizontal position before moving the auger from one location to another.
• A worker failed to recognize the presence of a power line before raising the grain auger into position.
• The grain auger was not placed on a gravel pad or level ground.
• The auger operator was not trained adequately concerning the safe operation of the equipment.
• The auger was not clearly labeled with safety warnings.
• The auger had a design defect (product liability).

Financial Restitution for Your Harms and Losses is Available

If you or a loved one was seriously injured by a grain auger, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm and losses you suffered in the accident. For example, you can pursue financial compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Incurred and future medical expenses include emergency treatment, physical therapy, prescription medications, surgeries, etc.
• Lost income due to time missed from work, including wages you would have earned in the future if you cannot return to work.
• Emotional and psychological anguish (routinely referred to as pain and suffering)

If you were harmed by a grain auger during employment, you can pursue financial restitution through California’s workers’ compensation system. Under workers’ compensation, your employer is legally obligated to pay the costs of your medical care and lost wages. Depending on the facts of your case, if you are a worker injured by the negligence of a third party or a design defect in the auger, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the third party.

If you were visiting the auger facility and were not employed, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the owner of the facility.

The Statute of Limitations Requires Legal Action to Be Taken Within Two Years

If you suffered a severe injury in a grain auger accident, you have only two years from the accident date to file a civil lawsuit. You must take action in these two years because if you fail to do so, your case will likely get thrown out of court.

However, just because California law allows you to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit within two years does not mean you should wait until the day before the expiration of the statute of limitations to call an attorney. In fact, the sooner you speak to an attorney about your potential case, the better. This is because your attorney needs to investigate the accident, collect and review accident reports filed by state authorities and law enforcement, compile and analyze your medical records, interview any eyewitnesses, etc. You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident so they can work on your behalf immediately.

Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

When an accident occurs at a large farming facility, you will likely be pitted against a team of claims adjusters, insurance company representatives, and defense lawyers who have a singular goal – to reduce or deny liability for the accident. This is why it makes sense to hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Getting top-notch legal representation helps level the playing field between you and the farming company. Having an attorney on your side also helps collect and preserve vital evidence that will be needed to prevail in court.

A skilled and seasoned Sacramento grain auger accident lawyer can assist you in navigating the complex personal injury litigation process, from pre-trial discovery to a jury trial. I am ready and able to help you and your family.

Sacramento Grain Auger Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury or death due to a grain auger accident, please call our law office for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 10.24.23 sb bw [cs 1031]}