What should you do if you’re injured at a corn maze or farm attraction?

Entrance to a corn maze decorated with pumpkins, symbolizing the risk of farm attraction injuries during fall events in New Jersey.

Fall in New Jersey means pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes, all of which are popular ways for families to enjoy the season. But behind the fun, there’s also potential for danger. Every year, visitors are injured at seasonal attractions because of unsafe conditions or poor supervision. Whether it’s a slippery walkway, broken fencing, or malfunctioning ride, a farm injury can quickly turn a fun day into a painful and stressful experience.

If you’re hurt at a farm, corn maze, or other agritourism event, knowing what to do next can protect your health and your legal rights. At Team Law, we’ve helped countless New Jersey residents recover compensation after serious injuries caused by unsafe property conditions or negligent management.

Understanding Premises Liability at Farm Attractions

When you visit a farm attraction, the property owner owes you a legal duty to keep the premises reasonably safe. This is part of what’s known as premises liability law. Owners and event organizers must take reasonable steps to prevent harm by:

Maintaining walkways, fences, and rides
Supervising staff and visitors
Warning guests about potential hazards
Ensuring equipment and vehicles are properly maintained

If an owner or operator fails to meet these standards and someone gets hurt, they may be held financially responsible for the resulting injuries.

Common Causes of Farm and Corn Maze Accidents

While many farms operate responsibly, others may cut corners on safety, especially during busy seasonal events. Some of the most common causes of farm injury claims include:

Uneven or muddy walkways that cause visitors to slip or trip
Poor lighting in mazes or parking areas
Defective rides or equipment, such as tractor-pulled wagons or inflatables
Animal-related injuries, including bites or kicks from unrestrained animals
Lack of supervision, particularly when children wander into restricted areas
Improper signage or barriers around dangerous areas like ponds, machinery, or electric fences

Because these events often take place on private property, proving who is responsible can be complicated. An attorney can help determine whether the owner, event organizer, or another party, like an equipment rental company, may share liability.

Steps to Take Immediately After an Injury

After any accident at a corn maze or farm attraction, taking the right steps can make a big difference in protecting your claim:

Seek medical attention right away: Even if your injuries seem minor, some conditions (like concussions or sprains) can worsen over time.
Report the incident to staff or management: Ask for a copy of the accident report or take note of who you spoke to.
Document everything: Take photos of the area, the hazard that caused the injury, and any visible wounds.
Get witness information: If others saw the accident, collect their names and phone numbers.
Avoid signing anything: Don’t agree to any statements or waivers without speaking to a lawyer first.
Contact an attorney: The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer, the easier it is to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

How Negligence Plays a Role

To hold a farm or attraction responsible for an injury, you must show that negligence caused your accident. Negligence means the owner or operator failed to take reasonable care to prevent harm. For example:

Failing to fix known hazards like broken steps or exposed wires
Ignoring weather-related safety concerns, such as muddy paths or high winds
Allowing unsafe crowding during events
Hiring untrained or unsupervised seasonal staff

In some cases, the business might claim that you “assumed the risk” by visiting a farm or maze. However, this defense doesn’t apply when the injury was caused by unsafe conditions or staff carelessness that could have been prevented.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Responsibility for a farm injury depends on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties may include:

The property owner, if poor maintenance or unsafe conditions caused the accident
Event organizers or operators, if they failed to provide adequate supervision or crowd control
Third-party vendors or contractors, such as food or ride operators
Equipment manufacturers, if defective machinery or vehicles were involved

Determining liability often requires investigation, especially when multiple entities are involved. A skilled attorney can review maintenance logs, employee records, and safety inspections to identify every responsible party.

Types of Injuries Commonly Seen at Fall Attractions

Farm attractions may seem harmless, but accidents can lead to serious injuries, including:

Broken bones and sprains from slips and falls
Head injuries from falls or being struck by objects
Burns from bonfires, electrical hazards, or faulty equipment
Animal bites or allergic reactions
Cuts, bruises, or puncture wounds from fencing or debris

Even a seemingly minor injury can result in costly medical treatment and lost time from work, both of which may be recoverable through a personal injury claim.

Compensation Available After a Farm or Corn Maze Injury

If your accident was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Lost earnings and future financial losses
Physical pain and ongoing discomfort
Mental anguish and emotional trauma
Permanent scarring or disability
Loss of independence and life enjoyment

Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the level of negligence involved, and how your life has been affected.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Evidence at seasonal attractions can disappear fast. Paths are cleared, decorations removed, and temporary structures dismantled soon after the event ends. Acting quickly gives your attorney a better chance to collect the evidence needed to prove your case.

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident, although the time limits to provide proper legal Notice of a potential claim can be as little as 90 days. As a result you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to help ensure that all applicable time limits can be met, and that crucial evidence can be secured to help to prove your case.

How Team Law Can Help

At Team Law, we know how overwhelming it can be to suffer a farm injury when all you wanted was a fun day with family or friends. Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex premises liability and personal injury cases across New Jersey.

We investigate every detail, from safety procedures and staff training to weather conditions and maintenance records, to determine how the accident happened and who was at fault. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

We handle all communication with insurance companies, negotiate for fair settlements, and, when necessary, take cases to trial to fight for justice.

Call Team Law for Experienced Legal Help After a Farm Attraction Injury

If you or a loved one suffered a farm injury at a corn maze, hayride, or other seasonal attraction, don’t wait to get legal advice. The sooner you act, the more effectively evidence can be preserved and witnesses located.

Call Team Law today at 732-896-2560 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We proudly represent clients across New Jersey who suffered a farm attraction injury due to unsafe conditions, negligent property owners, or careless event organizers. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. We represent clients in Roselle, Medford, Scotch Plains and throughout the state.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.