Representing Injured Agricultural Workers in and Across Texas
Grain bins and silos are essential parts of modern agriculture — but they’re also among the deadliest structures on a farm. When safety protocols are ignored or equipment malfunctions, workers can be quickly trapped, suffocated, or fatally injured in seconds. At Williford Law, we represent injured farmworkers and grieving families across Texas who have suffered due to preventable grain storage accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a grain bin or silo incident, our firm is here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
The Hidden Dangers of Grain Storage Structures
Grain bins and silos present multiple hazards that many employers fail to address. Below is a summary of the most common dangers:
| Hazard | Description |
| Grain Entrapment | Loose or flowing grain acts like quicksand, trapping and suffocating workers in seconds |
| Engulfment During Unloading | Workers inside bins during grain flow may be buried alive |
| Dust Explosions | Grain dust is highly combustible and can ignite due to poor ventilation or faulty equipment |
| Structural Collapse | Old or overloaded bins can collapse, crushing workers nearby |
| Toxic Gas Inhalation | Fermenting grain can emit gases like carbon dioxide or nitrogen dioxide, leading to poisoning or death |
| Equipment Malfunction | Augers, sweepers, and conveyors can entangle clothing or limbs |
These incidents are often the result of poor planning, lack of training, and failure to follow federal safety standards.
OSHA Violations and Negligence
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict standards for grain handling facilities, including:
- Lockout/tagout procedures before entry
- Safety harnesses and lifelines
- Required bin entry permits and atmospheric testing
- Prohibition against working alone in bins
When employers fail to follow these regulations, they may be held liable under Texas personal injury or wrongful death law.
Who May Be Liable for Grain Bin or Silo Injuries?
Several parties may be held responsible for these catastrophic accidents:
- Farm owners or operators who allow untrained or unprotected workers into bins
- Supervisors or managers who fail to enforce safety rules or approve unsafe entries
- Equipment manufacturers for defective augers, sweepers, or bin components
- Maintenance providers who negligently service grain storage systems
- Construction companies who build or repair faulty silos
Our team will conduct a full investigation using agricultural safety experts and mechanical engineers to identify every liable party.
Types of Injuries We Handle
Grain bin and silo accidents can lead to:
- Asphyxiation or suffocation injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries from falls or engulfment
- Crush injuries from structural collapse
- Amputations from auger entanglement
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Burn injuries from dust explosions
- Wrongful death
Survivors often face long-term disability, emotional trauma, and major financial hardship. We are here to help you recover what you’re owed.
Compensation Available Under Texas Law
Injured workers and their families may be eligible to recover:
- Medical bills and future care costs
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)
- Punitive damages for reckless safety violations
We also evaluate claims under Texas product liability law for defective equipment or materials.
Why Choose Williford Law?
- Experience handling catastrophic agricultural injury and wrongful death cases
- Deep knowledge of OSHA, Texas labor laws, and farm safety protocols
- Network of expert witnesses to build strong cases
- No attorney’s fees unless we win your case
We fight for farmworkers and their families when the system fails them.
