Horizontal feed mixers are essential on farms for blending feed efficiently, but they are also one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment when not properly maintained or operated. These machines contain powerful augers, sharp blades, and complex moving parts, all of which can cause catastrophic injuries in a matter of seconds.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a horizontal feed mixer in Ohio, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Harris Law is here to help.
Common Horizontal Feed Mixer Injuries
Injuries from horizontal feed mixers are often severe and may include:
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Lacerations and disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fatalities
These incidents typically occur due to entanglement in moving parts, unguarded machinery, unexpected startup, or defective safety mechanisms.
Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident
Seek Medical Attention Immediately.
Your health is the top priority. Call 911 if the injury is serious. Prompt medical care also creates vital documentation for your injury claim.
Preserve the Scene
If possible, do not move or tamper with the equipment. Photos or videos of the scene and machinery condition can be critical to proving your case.
Report the Incident
Notify your employer or the farm owner right away. Ensure the injury is officially recorded.
Gather Evidence
Collect witness names, take photos, and note the make and model of the mixer. Try to obtain maintenance records or safety inspection logs if you can.
Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies or employers may offer quick settlements or request statements. Don’t agree to anything until you’ve spoken to an experienced Ohio farming accident injury attorney.
Who May Be Held Liable?
Depending on the facts, multiple parties may be responsible:
- The Farm Owner or Employer – for failing to provide proper training, safety equipment, or machine maintenance
- The Equipment Manufacturer – if a defective design, missing safety guard, or lack of warnings contributed to the injury
- Maintenance Contractors – for improper servicing or failed inspections
If you were working at the time, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation, but in many cases, you can also pursue a third-party personal injury claim for greater financial recovery.
Your Right to Compensation
In a successful claim, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
Harris Law Is Ready to Help
At Harris Law, we have deep experience representing injured agricultural workers across Ohio. We understand the devastating impact these injuries can have and how to hold employers, manufacturers, and insurance companies accountable.
Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. Contact us today at info@harrislawohio.com to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common injuries caused by horizontal feed mixers?
These machines can cause severe injuries such as amputations, crush injuries, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, and fatalities due to their powerful moving parts and sharp components.
2. Who can be held responsible for a horizontal feed mixer injury?
Depending on the circumstances, the farm owner or employer, the equipment manufacturer, or a maintenance contractor may be liable if unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or improper servicing contributed to the injury.
3. Can I pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation after a feed mixer accident?
Yes. In addition to workers’ compensation, you may be able to pursue a third party personal injury claim if another party, such as a manufacturer or contractor, played a role in causing your injury.
4. What should I do immediately after a horizontal feed mixer accident?
Seek medical attention right away, report the incident to your employer, preserve the scene with photos or videos, collect witness information, and avoid signing any paperwork without first consulting an attorney.
5. What damages can be recovered in a feed mixer injury claim?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, and wrongful death damages in fatal cases.
6. Why is it important to hire an attorney after a horizontal feed mixer injury?
An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, preserve crucial evidence, and negotiate or litigate to secure the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
