Legal Professionals Standing By 24/7

Napa Workers’ Compensation for Agricultural Workers

Protecting the Backbone of Napa Valley’s Workforce

¿Prefieres leer esta página en español? Haz clic aquí.

Agricultural workers are the heart of Napa Valley’s world-renowned wine region. Whether harvesting grapes, maintaining vines, or working in production facilities, farm workers keep the local economy moving. But when injuries happen, those same workers are often left vulnerable, underinformed, and underrepresented.

At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we fight for vineyard laborers, field hands, seasonal farmworkers, and all others who help sustain Napa’s agricultural sector. 

Our team has recovered over $340 million for injured workers across Northern California, including many employed in agriculture. With a 98% success rate, we understand the unique hazards these workers face and the challenges they encounter in filing for the benefits they deserve.

If you’re an agricultural worker with questions about workers’ compensation, we can help. Call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Common Agricultural Work Injuries We Handle

Farm and vineyard work is physically demanding and often dangerous. We help injured agricultural workers with claims involving:

  • Heat-related illnesses from working in extreme sun and high temperatures
  • Falls from ladders or harvesting platforms
  • Machinery and equipment accidents (e.g., tractor rollovers, crush injuries)
  • Repetitive stress injuries (e.g., back strain, tendinitis, carpal tunnel)
  • Chemical exposure from pesticides and fertilizers
  • Lifting injuries involving crates, vines, or irrigation systems
  • Slip-and-falls on wet, uneven, or unstable surfaces

These injuries can lead to missed work, long recovery periods, and in some cases, permanent disability. We ensure our clients get the medical treatment, wage replacement, and long-term support they need.

Barriers Agricultural Workers May Face When Filing Claims

Many agricultural workers in Napa don’t realize they are covered by California’s workers’ compensation system. Others hesitate to report injuries due to fear of retaliation, language barriers, or uncertainty about immigration status. We’re here to change that.

You have rights under California law, including the right to:

  • File a claim without fear of deportation or immigration-related consequences
  • Receive medical treatment at no cost to you
  • Be compensated for lost wages due to injury
  • Return to work with restrictions or receive job retraining if needed
  • Be free from retaliation for filing a claim

Our team works with Spanish-speaking clients and ensures every client receives clear, respectful communication about their rights and case progress.

What If You’re Paid in Cash or Not Given a Pay Stub?

Many agricultural workers are paid in cash or are not provided with proper documentation of their employment. This can make filing a claim feel impossible—but you still have options. Under California law, your eligibility for workers’ comp is not dependent on your immigration status or whether your employer followed wage and hour laws.

We can help you:

  • Prove your employment through witness testimony, job site documentation, or pay patterns
  • Show a consistent work history with the employer even if no formal contract exists
  • Push back against employers who attempt to avoid responsibility by claiming you were a contractor or "off the books"

Don’t let informal work arrangements stop you from getting medical care and wage benefits.

Injured While Working Through a Labor Contractor?

In Napa agriculture, it’s common for vineyard and field workers to be hired through labor contractors or staffing agencies. If you were hurt while working through one of these third-party employers, you may still have a valid claim—and possibly more than one.

We routinely help:

  • Identify the correct responsible employer (contractor vs. vineyard vs. staffing agency)
  • File claims against multiple parties when applicable
  • Hold both the labor contractor and the property owner accountable, if necessary

These cases can be more complex than direct employment, but we have deep experience with labor contractor injury claims.

How We Help Injured Agricultural Workers in Napa

When you contact Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we take immediate action to protect your rights. Our services include:

  • Free consultations to evaluate your case
  • Filing your claim properly and on time
  • Securing treatment with doctors who understand the realities of fieldwork injuries
  • Calculating all owed benefits, including temporary disability and permanent disability payments
  • Handling disputes, denied claims, and delays in treatment
  • Representing you at hearings, settlement conferences, and trials if needed

Call For a FREE Consultation: (888) 740-6434

Injured farmworkers deserve the same care, protection, and compensation as anyone else. At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we’re proud to stand up for the workers who help make Napa Valley what it is.

If you’ve been injured while working on a farm, vineyard, or in any agricultural setting in Napa County, call us today.

Contact us online or call (888) 740-6434 for a free, confidential consultation.

We have Helped OVER 8,000 CLIENTS aND WE CAN HELP YOU TOO!

    They care, and they help injured workers!

    They care, and they help injured workers!

    Darnell Hester
    Google icon
    I'll recommend him always.

    “I'll recommend him always.”

    Bernadette L Mixon
    Google
    Thank you again to everyone at Pacific Workers’ Compensation!

    “Thank you again to everyone at Pacific Workers’ Compensation!”

    Johnny
    Google
    Communication is extremely important, and that has been A+ since the beginning!

    Communication is extremely important, and that has been A+ since the beginning!

    Brandon Colbert
    Google icon
    Highly Recommend Pacific Workers’ Lawyers

    “Highly Recommend Pacific Workers’ Lawyers”

    Asif Chashmawala
    Google
    They didn't give up on me.

    “Pacific Workers went to bat for me. Was I an easy person to get along with, no but they didn’t give up on me.”

    David W.
    Google Review
    Thank you for being so kind!

    “I started my fight against my company's workers comp and after talking to Almarie for the first time I already felt a lot of weight off my shoulders.”

    Jazzie D. Daly City, CA
    yelp

Workers' Comp FAQ

  • What If My Employer Denies My Workers’ Compensation Claim Because I’m a Seasonal Worker?

    Employers in California are legally required to provide workers' compensation coverage to all employees, including seasonal workers. If your claim is denied, it's advisable to consult with a workers' compensation attorney to understand your rights and explore options for appealing the decision.

  • Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

    In California, all employees are eligible for workers’ compensation with very few exceptions. If you are classified as an “employee” (rather than an “independent contractor”), you are eligible to receive benefits. This is true regardless of how many employees your employer has, how many hours you work, how much you make, whether you work part-time or full-time, or whether you are a seasonal worker. Additionally, undocumented workers are also eligible for workers’ compensation granted they meet all other eligibility requirements. In contrast, independent contractors and certain other workers, including some volunteers, household workers who are employed by a family member, and others, are not able to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

  • How Is Workers’ Compensation Calculated for Seasonal Workers?

    Compensation for seasonal workers is typically based on your average weekly earnings during the employment period. If you're unable to work due to the injury after the season ends, eligibility for benefits may depend on factors such as your employment history and whether you usually seek other employment during the off-season.

  • Are Independent Contractors Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

    Independent contractors are generally not eligible for workers' compensation benefits because they are not considered employees under California law. However, some employers may misclassify employees as independent contractors. If you believe you are misclassified, consult with a legal professional to assess your situation.

  • What Should I Do If I’m Injured at Work as a Seasonal Worker?

    If you're injured on the job, take the following steps:

    1. Report the Injury - Notify your employer immediately, both verbally and in writing.
    2. Seek Medical Attention - Obtain necessary medical treatment and ensure the injury is documented.
    3. File a Claim - Complete a Workers' Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1) provided by your employer and submit it promptly.

    Timely reporting and documentation are crucial to ensure your claim is processed efficiently.

  • CNN
  • CBS
  • San Francisco Business Times
  • Telemundo
  • Univision