Each fall farmers around the state of Pennsylvania take to the fields to harvest the crop that will help them make their living for the year as well as help to feed the country. As is the case in at any job, it is possible that an accident can occur. Sadly, because of the size and nature of the equipment used in farming the injuries in these types of accidents are often very serious. A fatal accident involving a 19-year-old farmer occurred earlier this week in the Newville area.

According to a spokesperson from the state police, the farm where the accident happened is located in North Newton Township on Route 533. As the young man was harvesting corn with a combine, the machine apparently became clogged. The teen reportedly tried to unclog the combine and got caught in the auger located at the front of the machine.

The young man died as the result of the multiple injuries he sustained. They were characterized as traumatic by the coroner. The coroner ruled the death as being caused by an accident.

As is the case with any accident, there are multiple potential causes of farming accidents. In addition to user negligence or error, some farming accidents involving farming equipment are a result of an equipment defect. When an injury or death is the result of another person or entity’s fault, the injured party or the deceased’s loved ones may be able to recover compensation for a variety of matters including medical bills and pain and suffering.

Source: The Sentinel, “Newville area teen identified in fatal farming accident,” Oct. 25, 2011