Electrocution Injuries on the Job
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electrocutions are one of the leading causes of death for construction workers. The safety agency lists the following accidents as construction’s “fatal four”: falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and getting caught in or between objects or equipment.
It is believed that preventing these hazards would save hundreds of lives every year. Tragically, numerous employees are injured or killed every year as a result of substandard training, unsafe worksites, and little or no oversight.
If you or a loved one has suffered an electrocution injury on the job, our White Plains electrocution injury attorneys can help. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You need an attorney who will fight hard to get the maximum recovery in your case.
Work-Related Electrocution Causes
Several factors may lead to a work-related electrocution injury. One of the most common ways that employees are injured on the job is a lack of proper training. Inadequate safety training can result in catastrophic injuries to even the most careful employees. All workers must receive appropriate training before beginning any job that involves wiring, power lines, or ground faults to avoid harm related to electrocution.
In addition to insufficient training, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has found that many on-the-job electrocutions are related to:
- Direct contact with electricity
- Lack of proper gear
- Faulty wiring
- Failure to de-energize power lines or maintain a minimum clearance
- Improper use of extension cords
- Failure to use ground-fault circuit interrupters
- Power overload
- Metal objects coming into contact with live electrical circuits/parts
Injuries Resulting from Work-Related Electrocutions
Electrocutions can range in severity depending on the amount of electricity and the length of exposure. Many electricity-related injuries result in a loss of the ability to work for at least a short period of time. In some cases, a person may be completely debilitated from the electrocution.
If you have suffered substantial damages as a result of a work-related electrocution, you need to speak with an electrocution injury attorney immediately. You have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against a negligent party or parties that may be responsible for your injuries.
Common injuries related to electrocutions include:
- Electric shock
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve or muscle damage
- Seizures
- Brain injury
- Heart failure
Hire a White Plains Electrocution Injury Attorney
You should never have to pay for someone else’s carelessness, even if the person responsible is your employer. You have the right to a safe work site, free from hazardous conditions. When an employer fails to provide adequate training, safety equipment, or secure conditions, they must be held responsible. If you were injured as the result of a work-related electrocution, you may be entitled to recovery. Do not wait until it is too late to file a claim against a liable party.
Contact our office today to speak directly with a knowledgeable lawyer who can discuss your options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.