Albuquerque Farm Injury Attorneys: Protecting Agricultural Workers’ Rights
Farm work is vital to New Mexico’s economy, but it comes with significant risks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agricultural sector remains one of the most dangerous industries in America, with 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2019. In New Mexico alone, private industry employers reported 12,400 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022.
Agricultural workers face a multitude of hazards daily:
– Tractor accidents, the leading cause of fatalities in agriculture, resulting in approximately 130 deaths per year nationwide
– Exposure to harmful chemicals, pesticides, and toxic gases
– Risk of respiratory diseases, noise-induced hearing loss, and certain cancers
– Injuries from livestock handling and farm equipment
How Glasheen, Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers Can Help You with your Farm Injury
At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, our extensive experience in farm injury cases allows us to provide comprehensive support for agricultural workers in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. Here’s how we can assist you:
Expert Case Evaluation
We offer a free consultation to assess the details of your farm accident and determine the strength of your potential claim.
Thorough Investigation
Our team conducts in-depth investigations, gathering crucial evidence to build a strong case for you.
Specialized Knowledge
We have successfully handled a wide range of agricultural accident cases, including:
- Tractor and heavy machinery incidents
- Harvesting equipment accidents
- Grain engulfment cases
- Livestock-related injuries
- Chemical exposure claims
Maximizing Compensation
We fight to secure fair compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care needs
Legal Guidance
We navigate complex legal processes on your behalf, including dealing with farm liability policies and identifying potential third-party claims.
Access to Experts
We collaborate with agricultural safety specialists, medical professionals, and occupational experts to strengthen your case.
Our farm accident lawyers understand the unique challenges faced by agricultural workers. Whether you’ve been injured in a tractor accident, suffered from equipment failure, or experienced any other farm-related injury, we’re here to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a farming accident regardless of where you live, our attorneys will be happy to evaluate your potential case through a free consultation.
Past Success
Past settlements including $932,000 for a cotton gin injury, amputated fingers and $455,000 in a grain elevator accident, death case. *All Amounts listed are Net to Clients. Results obtained depend on the facts of each case.
The Agricultural Industry in New Mexico
New Mexico’s agricultural sector is diverse and vital to the state’s economy. The industry encompasses a wide range of activities, from traditional farming and ranching to innovative agribusiness practices. Here’s an overview of the agricultural industry in New Mexico:
Key Agricultural Products
- Dairy products
- Cattle and calves
- Pecans
- Hay
- Chile peppers
- Onions
- Cotton
- Corn
- Greenhouse and nursery products
- Wheat
Economic Impact
- In 2022, New Mexico’s total value of agriculture production was $3.71 billion, a 17% increase from the previous year
- The food and agriculture industry has an economic impact of $43.12 billion in the state
- There are 24,700 farms in operation across New Mexico
Industry Highlights
- New Mexico ranks among the top states for pecan, chile pepper, milk, cheese, and onion production
- The state leads the nation in pecan production, with 91.1 million pounds produced in 2018
- New Mexico is in the top three producing states for pistachios, along with California and Arizona
- The state has a growing presence of farmers’ markets, with more than 70 currently established
Farm and Ranch Accidents in New Mexico
While agriculture is crucial to New Mexico’s economy, it also presents significant risks to workers. The agricultural sector consistently ranks as one of the most hazardous industries nationwide.
Frequency of Accidents
- From 1980 to 1991, there were 53 farm-related injury deaths in New Mexico, a rate of 21.3 per 100,000 worker-years
- Farm workers were four times more likely than non-farm workers to die from occupational injury
Common Types of Accidents
- Crush injuries, accounting for half of all farm injury deaths
- Tractor rollovers, involved in half of the motor vehicle-related deaths
- Electrocutions, causing one in six farm injury deaths
- Incidents involving farm animals
Vulnerable Groups
- Native Americans had the highest farm injury death rate
- Older males were especially susceptible to farm-related injuries
- Half of the farm decedents were 50 years of age or older; one-third were 60 years of age or older
Contributing Factors
- Alcohol was involved in one in five farm injury deaths
- Exposure to electricity was a significant risk factor
Recognized Injury Attorneys
At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, we are proud to be recognized as leaders in personal injury law. Our attorneys have earned prestigious accolades, including AV Preeminent ratings, membership in the Million-Dollar Advocates Forum, and selections to Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. These honors reflect our dedication to achieving justice for our clients and our proven track record of success. With extensive experience handling complex farm injury cases in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico, our team is committed to providing exceptional legal representation to injured agricultural workers and their families.
Glasheen Valles and Inderman was the best choice by far. - Eleana Flores
Exceptional Experience
At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, our team brings decades of experience handling complex farm injury cases across New Mexico. We have successfully represented clients in a wide range of agricultural accidents, including those involving heavy machinery, grain engulfment, chemical exposure, and livestock-related injuries. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by agricultural workers and the complexities of farm liability policies. With a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for injured workers, we combine legal expertise with compassion to ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
How Farming Injuries Happen
Most farms use large, heavy pieces of equipment, as well as hazardous chemicals which pose a risk of injury to farmworkers and visitors alike. Similarly, farm animals can be unpredictable and pose another heightened risk of injury.
Farm accidents can produce catastrophic injuries and sometimes they lead to wrongful death cases. Common causes of farm accident litigation include the following:
- Propane gas explosions
- Workers kicked or trampled by horses, cows or other animals
- Auto accidents caused by farm animals that have gotten through fencing onto the roads
- Falls from tractors, combines, or other heavy equipment
- Individuals crushed by heavy farm equipment
- Common slip and fall accidents
Types of Farm Injuries
Like other workplace injuries, injuries sustained as a result of farm accidents can be very severe. Injuries may include amputations, broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and even wrongful death. Injuries sustained on a farm may produce high medical bills and lost wages in addition to pain and suffering.
In addition to common law negligence claims and potential strict liability claims against equipment manufacturers, farm accident lawyers must consider the availability of farm liability insurance, as traditional workers’ compensation does not cover most farm accidents.
Common Farm Injuries in Albuquerque
Agricultural work involves various hazards that can lead to severe injuries:
- Tractor and machinery accidents
- Falls from heights (silos, ladders, roofs)
- Livestock-related injuries
- Pesticide and chemical exposure
- Heat-related illnesses
- Repetitive motion injuries
These incidents can result in life-altering consequences, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and chronic health conditions.
How Glasheen, Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping those who have suffered farm-related injuries in New Mexico. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of agricultural injury cases and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care. Acting quickly is critical—New Mexico has specific deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and starting early ensures that evidence is preserved and legal timelines are met. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case can be. Call us today at (505) 243-7200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us guide you through this challenging time and fight for the justice you deserve.