Electrical work can be dangerous, and employers need to ensure that their workers stay safe from electrocution hazards while completing their jobs. Unfortunately, electrocution is far too common in the workplace, accounting for 7% of all worker fatalities each year. Electricians and construction workers who work around electrical faults or live wires are especially susceptible to electrical shock. All too often, these employees do not receive adequate compensation after suffering from electrocution injuries without receiving adequate compensation. Pedestrians can also fall victim to electrical accidents from overhead power line failure, unsafe construction zones and, or faulty products. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to an electrocution accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your pain and loss of wages. Read ahead to learn more about electrocution accidents and how you can file a claim.
Causes of Electrocution Accidents
Electrocution accidents occur when a live electrical source comes into contact with any part of the human body. The most harmful electrical shocks come from high-voltage electrical sources that deliver a powerful current to humans on contact. Electrical accidents are prevalent on construction sites throughout New York City. In 2017, sixteen New York City workers died as a result of electrocution while on the job. A few prominent causes of electrocution accidents on the job site include:
- Faulty equipment
- Power line failure
- Defective product manufacturing
- Unsafe power tools
- Low lighting or poor maneuverability in construction sites
- Improperly grounded wires
Pedestrians can also fall victim to electrical shocks while passing by construction sites or from defective electrical products. If you have suffered from an injury due to an electrical accident on the job, your employer may be liable. Other companies, such as the equipment manufacturer, may also be responsible for your injury. Contact us today or visit our office for a free personal injury or workers’ compensation consultation.
Types of Electric Shock Injuries & Damages
Electrocution accidents can result in several types of injuries. Along with experiencing internal electric shock, our clients have also suffered from falls and burns due to exposed electricity. Unfortunately, some workers have experienced electrocution: injury or death by electric shock, due to an accident. Electrocution accidents often cause the following conditions:
- Cardiac arrest
- Nerve damage
- Muscle and tissue destruction
- Breathing problems
Along with physical injuries, experiencing an electrocution accident can also lead to mental trauma. Many people have trouble returning to their everyday lives after an electrocution injury or a loved one’s death. Electrical shocks can cause as much emotional pain as they do physical pain. Additionally, shock injuries often result in steep medical bills and financial loss. Many people have to take weeks or months off work while recovering from their injuries, leading them to lose out on wages. If you have suffered as a result of an electrical accident, you may be able to receive compensation.
Qualifying For an Electric Shock Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you experienced an electrical shock accident at your place of work, you might be able to file a lawsuit and receive compensation. The 1974 Health and Safety Act holds companies liable for their employees’ safety, meaning employers must regularly conduct risk assessments to identify electrical shock hazards. If you experienced electrical shock or electrocution from live wires at work, your employer might have failed to reduce shock hazards. As a result, you may be able to hold them accountable for your suffering. We have also had clients who experienced an electricity accident in a public place, such as a store or restaurant. Business owners are liable for avoidable accidents on their properties. Similarly, construction companies are responsible for ensuring that power lines and equipment will not harm pedestrians. The Consumer Protection Act of 1987 holds retailers responsible for ensuring that electrical appliances are safe to operate and will not cause electric shock. If you experienced an electric shock from a faulty product, you might be able to receive compensation from the manufacturer or retailer. Contact our attorney team today on our web page to determine if you qualify for a personal injury claim.
What to Do After Your Accident
A person who has suffered from an electrical accident may feel confused, overwhelmed, and even in shock. However, accident victims can take several steps to speed along the lawsuit process and increase their compensation chances. If you are a victim of an electrical accident in New York, you should follow these steps to support your claim:
- Visit a physician for a medical examination: Even if you feel fine, you should visit a doctor soon after your electricity injury. A medical examination will provide valuable evidence for your case.
- Take photographs of the electrical hazard: Photos of the electrical power lines, live wires, or equipment that led to your electric shock will also serve as evidence for your case.
- Collect witness contact information: If another worker or passerby witnessed your electricity injury, they might be able to serve as a witness in court. Collect their contact information as soon as possible and inform them that you may need them to support your claim.
- Contact a competent attorney: Hiring an experienced attorney gives you the best chance of securing compensation for your suffering.
In general, the more evidence you can provide for your case, the better chance you will have of receiving compensation.
Compensation For Power Lines & Electric Shock Accidents
When you file an electric shock claim, you may be able to receive compensatory damages for expenses such as:
- Medical bills
- Medications
- Medical supplies
- Lost wages or lost earning capacity
- Emotional pain
- Pain and suffering
Some clients also receive punitive damages if the responsible party engaged in outrageous conduct. The best way to get the most money through a personal injury or workers compensation claim is to hire a competent attorney team to guide you through the process. Schedule a consultation with us today by calling 212-935-2600 or visiting our New York office.
Contact Us Today
Electrical injuries and electrocutions can cause immense pain, suffering, and financial damage. If you or a family member has suffered as a result of an electrical shock, our Halperin & Halperin, P.C. attorney team may be able to help. We have extensive experience in several practice areas, and we have been able to secure compensation for clients all across New York. Contact us today or visit our office to schedule your free consultation.
