Iowa farms are responsible for providing corn, soybeans, grain, meat and more for the country and other parts of the world. Farm work can involve long, grueling hours of hard work. However, many people don’t think about farm injuries being covered by workers’ compensation.
Iowa has laws regarding workers’ compensation requirements for businesses – including farms. If you’re going to work on a farm or perhaps you have a teen who’s thinking of working on one during summer vacation, it’s crucial to understand Iowa farm workers’ rights to workers’ comp if they’re injured or become sick as a result of their work.
When must farm owners purchase workers’ comp insurance?
Iowans who own farms are required to purchase workers’ comp insurance to cover their employees (excluding relatives) if their cash payroll for the previous year was $2,500 or more. Even if they’re not required by law to have it, it’s smart for farm owners to buy it anyway.
By having workers’ comp available to help cover medical bills, lost wages, disability and death benefits, farm owners can avoid potentially costly lawsuits by injured workers or surviving loved ones if an injury resulted from the negligence or actions of those they worked for.
Even the most careful farm worker (and farm owner) can’t prevent all accidents. Equipment can malfunction. Animals can cause injuries. Grain bins and elevators have been the sites of numerous devastating injuries and fatalities. Just working out in the sun for long hours during the hot Iowa summer can cause medical issues.
If you’re having difficulty getting the workers’ compensation benefits you’re owed or if your employer isn’t required to carry workers’ comp and you’re considering filing a legal claim, learn more about what you can do to get the compensation you need and deserve.
