Richland farm worker killed during silage truck maintenance

A 34-year-old farm equipment operator died Sunday while working on a silage truck in Richland.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) said the worker’s head became caught between the truck’s tailgate and bed.

The death is the 38th listed on MIOSHA’s 2026 fatality table. The agency says its table descriptions come from initial reports and are not findings from official investigations.

Claims against manufacturers and outside contractors

A covered employee, equipment manufacturer or outside maintenance contractor might be liable for an injury if their negligence led to the incident.

Under MCL 418.827, accepting compensation benefits does not prevent a claim against a legally responsible third party. After recovery costs are deducted, a recovery must reimburse the employer or insurer for benefits paid or payable through the recovery date, and the remaining money can offset future compensation benefits.

Preserving equipment before it is repaired or discarded can help establish what went wrong, a practical step discussed in Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of defective product injury claims in Michigan.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles workers’ compensation and wrongful death matters, including potential claims against companies other than the employer.

Contact Michigan Legal Center if a family member died in a Michigan work incident and you need help understanding death benefits or a possible claim against someone other than the employer.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.

Michigan Legal Center’s wrongful death practice includes help with estate authority and claims for a family’s losses.