Preventing Visitor Liability Risks on Your Farm

Besides agricultural production, farmers may use their land as a hospitality business. They may rent their land for weddings, or allow school groups to visit during the harvest season. 

Yet, whenever guests visit a property, they pose risks that could affect the farm’s owner. Should guests receive injuries, they may request compensation or even sue the farmer. Farmers should do everything they can to prevent visitor injuries on their property. They should invest in a strong farm liability policy to protect them in case of allegations of such harm. 

How Liability Coverage Can Protect Farm Visitors 

Let’s say that a farmer rents out their barn for wedding receptions. During the party, a beam falls from the ceiling, severely injuring a member of the wedding party. The injury may lead to medical costs, rehabilitation needs and lost wages for the injured party. It may also mean the wedding party loses costs related to the reception as well. 

For this reason, the injured party may sue the farmer for these lost costs. They might allege that the farmer’s lack of maintenance led to the beam collapse, and thus to the injury. 

The farmer might be able to turn to their liability policy for help. Liability policies protect policyholders from damages to third parties on their property. A farmer might use their policy to compensate the injured party or meet legal costs related to a lawsuit. 

Reducing Injury Risks for Farm Visitors 

Even after a farmer buys a liability policy, they still have to see to its proper application. Farmers should ensure that policies cover all visitors, locations and events held on the property.  

Furthermore, the farmer should do everything they can to reduce injury risks on the property. This may include: 

• Maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of all visitors. Property owners should always know what employees, personal guests, business representatives or other groups are on the property. 

• Only allowing trained, qualified individuals to operate farm machinery. A professional should supervise any unqualified visitors who wish to inspect the equipment. 

• Supervising all guests who wish to view or handle livestock. Remember, farm animals should receive respect and have the proper living environment. Excessive guest encroachment on these areas may lead livestock to lash out in fear. 

• Making sure that all visitors can easily and safely navigate the property. Farmers may have to restrict access to areas of the farm that may pose safety risks to others. 

Farmers can’t always prevent every liability risk on their farm. That’s why a farm liability policy can help should the unexpected occur. 

Do you need farm insurance? Contact Mark Lee Insurance Agency, Inc. today for a fast, free policy quote.