Electrocution Accident Lawyers in New York City

If you work in construction, you know how dangerous electricity can be. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 126 workers died from electricity-related injuries nationwide in 2020 alone. Exposed electrical wires and other hazards are no rarity on construction sites in New York City. Dangerous site conditions, lack of safety training, and defective equipment are just some of the daily hazards construction workers in the city face. 

Injured victims and their families could be entitled to damages such as income loss, death benefits, medical expenses, and others. If your loved one died due to an electrocution accident, or you are personally affected by a severe electrical injury, Morgan & Morgan has your back. Our electrocution accident lawyers in New York City are ready to assess your case and fight for what you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discover your legal rights and options.

Common Electrocution Hazards on New York City Construction Sites

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified electrocution as one of the top four causes of construction site fatalities. Electrocution describes a severe injury or death due to electric shock. Electrocution can occur when an electric current passes through a worker’s body.

The dangers of electrical hazards are only too present on construction sites. Most electrocutions happen when a worker directly interacts with electricity, such as touching an overhead power cable. Electrocution hazards can include:

• Contact with power lines 
• Failure to shut off the power supply before working on wiring 
• Defective wiring
• Faulty machinery and equipment
• Failure to inspect and adhere to safety standards

Who Is Responsible for an Electrocution Accident?

Every day, construction workers in New York City face electrical hazards at work, including live wiring and faulty equipment. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), roughly half of all electrocutions occur due to contact with power lines; around a quarter are the result of electrical tools and machinery. Employers and other parties could be responsible when workers suffer harm in electrocutions.

Lack of Training

Workers on construction sites invariably come into contact with electrical tools, wiring, and overhead power lines. Most electricity accidents are avoidable when a worker receives adequate training. Untrained workers may not know how to detect live wires or isolate circuits before working near electrical wiring. Construction workers who do not know the difference between live and dead circuits put themselves and others in grave danger. Employers should ensure that workers receive training to identify potential hazards and avoid accidents with electricity. 

Employer Negligence

Developers and construction site contractors must have adequate safety systems in place at construction sites. Worker methods and safety equipment should meet minimum safety standards. In an effort to avoid potential electrocution accidents, businesses should have safety systems in place that help to monitor the isolation of electrical circuits.

Defective Machinery and Equipment

Defective equipment can cause electrocution on New York City construction sites. Sometimes, the defect occurs due to a design problem or manufacturing issues. Workers could potentially hold a manufacturer or seller of defective equipment responsible for their injuries and damages. 

Third-Party Negligence

Negligent third parties in construction accidents can include but are not limited to:

• Property owners
• Contractors and subcontractors
• Equipment or vehicle operators
• Manufacturers of defective construction equipment 

If a third party caused your accident, you could sue them for damages.

Our Electrocution Accident Lawyers in NYC Can Determine Who Is Responsible

Determining the liable parties in electrocution accidents can be challenging. Identifying who or what is responsible for your injury or your loved one’s death is critical for recovering adequate compensation. Therefore, consider getting legal advice as soon as possible after a construction injury. 

Our legal teams and accident investigators can get to work right away. We can analyze your accident, gather the necessary evidence, and determine who is liable for your damages. Our experienced attorneys can file a personal injury lawsuit and fight for what you deserve in court. If you or a family member suffered a significant injury at work, Morgan & Morgan is here for you. 

Electrocution Injuries 

Direct contact with electricity, depending on the voltage of the current, can cause devastating injuries and, in the worst cases, death. Even relatively low voltage can cause abnormal heart rhythm and breathing problems. The four main ways in which electric currents passing through the body cause injury include:

1. Cardiac arrest 
2. Muscle, tissue, and nerve damage
3. Thermal burns 
4. Falls after contact with electricity

However, victims can suffer a range of other detrimental health effects after electrocution, including but not limited to: 

• Loss of consciousness
• Permanent heart damage
• Seizures
• Amputations
• Brain damage
• Loss of vision
• Heart attack
• Broken bones

The severity of the construction worker’s injuries will depend on the type and voltage of the current. A study published by the NCBI mentions that even if workers survive electrical injuries, they could subsequently experience dysfunction of organs and tissues. In general, electrical injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Electrocution victims and their family members may see their lives turned upside down after a work accident. Astronomical medical and care expenses, loss of income, and other financial losses can cause unnecessary hardship for victims and their families. If this has happened to you, our electrocution accident lawyers in New York City could help pursue the compensation you deserve.

Your Next Best Step After an Electrocution Accident in NYC

If you experienced electrocution at work, knowing your next best steps can be critical for protecting your rights. Depending on your accident’s circumstances, you could file a workers’ compensation claim or pursue compensation with a personal injury lawsuit. Your best course of action can include:

Seeking Medical Advice

Even if you experienced a less severe shock, do not neglect to visit a doctor to rule out any internal organ or tissue injuries. Symptoms could take days to appear, and seeking medical advice as soon as possible can be crucial for your health. 

Reporting the Accident and Injury to Your Employer

Tell your supervisor about the accident and injury you experienced at work as soon as possible. Ensure that your incident is adequately recorded in your company’s accident file. 

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim 

If you were significantly injured at work or your loved one died due to electrocution, you could be entitled to benefits under the New York workers’ comp program. Benefits can include: 

• Necessary medical costs 
• Wage replacement payments 
• Vocational benefits

Death benefits for surviving family members can include funeral and burial expenses and weekly cash payments for the spouse and dependents of the decedent.

Determining if You Could Seek Damages With a Lawsuit

Knowing who is responsible for your injury is critical as you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party and recover damages in addition to workers’ compensation. Moreover, if you are an independent contractor or your employer failed to pay for workers’ comp insurance, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to get justice and compensation. Consider speaking to a qualified personal injury lawyer to determine your options for legal recourse. Our lawyers can assess your case, identify the liable parties, and pursue compensation on your behalf. 

Electrocution Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If your loved one passed away due to workplace electrocution, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover damages. While damages will depend on your unique case, you could receive:

• Medical costs connected to the victim’s final injury 
• Loss of support and services from the decedent
• Loss of income and benefits
• Loss of parental care and guidance
• Lost inheritance
• Funeral and burial costs

However, timely action is necessary. According to New York law, you can only file a wrongful death claim within two years of your loved one’s death. Morgan & Morgan is here for you during this difficult time. Our lawyers can advise you and handle all aspects of your wrongful death case.