Farmer Airlifted in Tractor Rollover Accident in Sunderland Farm Fields Near Russell Street and Plumtree Road
SUNDERLAND, MASSACHUSETTS (August 12, 2025) – A farmer was seriously injured after the tractor that they were operating rolled on top of them in Sunderland farm fields across from Russell Street and Plumtree Road.
Sunderland police officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:40 p.m. on Thursday. The tractor that the farmer was operating rolled over for undetermined reasons.
South County EMS and Sunderland Fire Department officials were called to the scene to help the victim. The farmer was eventually extricated from the scene before being placed in an ambulance.
He was driven to the site of a LifeStar helicopter and subsequently airlifted to a hospital. A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Sunderland Tractor Rollover Accidents
There are regulations related to how tractors can be operated. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires an approved rollover protection structure (ROPS) for tractors with 20 horsepower made after 1976. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be several liable parties for any tractor accident.
- Equipment Manufacturers: The company that manufactured a rollover protective structure could face liability if it crumpled or malfunctioned in some way in an actual accident.
- Equipment Sellers: The company that sold a tractor may also face some liability if it lacked ROPS or if they removed ROPS prior to selling the tractor.
- Landowners: A landowner could also face liability for any tractor rollover, provided that the injured party was not employed by the landowner.
If the person injured in a tractor rollover was an employee, they will also typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This system allows injured workers to recover damages if they are hurt on the job, regardless of who may have been at fault for an accident.
Safety Measures to Prevent Tractor Rollovers
Accidents involving tractor rollovers may seem like freak occurrences. But these incidents are unfortunately all too common. According to the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, “1 in 10 operators overturns a tractor in his or her lifetime. 80% of deaths caused by tractor overturns involve experienced operators. 1 in 7 farmers involved in tractor overturns is permanently disabled.” There are many safety measures that can be taken to prevent tractor rollovers.
- Rollover Protective Structures: Tractors can be equipped with rollover protective structures (ROPS) that can prevent users from becoming crushed by tractors that flip over.
- Weight Distribution: Manufacturers should abide by all guidelines for front and rear ballasts. Failing to follow these guidelines can cause uneven weight distribution on a tractor and make rollovers more likely.
- Safe Speeds: Tractor operators should do their best to maintain a safe speed at all times. They should be particularly cautious around slopes.
It can be hard to know what to do after being in a tractor accident. Farmers injured in these events are often left with high medical bills. Many victims will need to take extensive periods of time away from work. It is important for any person injured in a farm tractor accident to consider their legal options. They may be able to seek some measure of help through a civil action.
Getting Legal Help After Tractor Rollover Accidents
DiBella Law extends our best wishes to the farmer injured in this Sunderland tractor accident. It is our sincere hope that he will be able to make a full recovery. Any person with more information should reach out to investigators.
Do you need more information about a Sunderland tractor accident? Our team of local personal injury attorneys are here to assist you in any way that we can. We are committed to helping farmers and all workers get the support and justice that they are owed under the law. In fact, we can investigate the facts of your case at no cost and let you know what your legal options are. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. Contact us for a free legal evaluation.