Construction workers are often at risk of electric shocks, especially when safety regulations are ignored. A 2020 report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that 31 percent of fatal electrocution injuries occurred at industrial sites, and almost 3 out of 5 injuries resulted from direct exposure to electricity.
Many construction workers know the risks of their jobs and take the necessary precautions to ensure safety. But what if you have suffered an electrocution accident in the workplace through no fault of your own? When this happens, contact the electrocution accident lawyers at Siegfried & Jensen without delay.
Our electrocution injury attorneys can help you obtain workers’ compensation benefits and recover from your accident. Take the first step towards the settlement you deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation by calling us at (801) 845-9000 or complete our online contact form as soon as possible.
Common Workplace Electrocution Hazards
Construction workers handle projects ranging from small-scale residential developments to large-scale commercial projects.
Regardless of the project size, incidents such as the following can occur on a construction site and lead to electrocution:
- Direct contact with live electrical wires
- Malfunctioning or faulty electrical equipment
- Arc flash explosions caused by a fault in an electrical system
- Accidental contact with high-voltage overhead power lines
- Equipment misuse or the use of damaged equipment
- Failure to follow safety precautions when working with electricity
Other causes of electrocution include employer negligence and hazardous work environments. If the cause of your injuries remains unclear, the lawyers of Siegfried & Jensen can investigate your accident. Our experienced electrocution accident attorneys can determine the cause for you.
Common Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution injuries can vary, from minor burns to life-threatening wounds and even death.
Electrocution can lead to injuries such as:
- Cardiac arrest
- Thermal burns
- Nerve and tissue damage
- Muscular spasms
- Irregular heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe pain
- Temporary hearing difficulties
Short-term effects of electrocution injuries
The severity of an electrocution injury depends on several factors, such as the voltage, duration of exposure, and the path that the electrical current takes through the body. Sometimes, exposure to electric shocks can lead to temporary aftereffects.
Examples of short-term effects include:
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle pain
- Seizures
- Headaches
Long-term effects of electrocution injuries
The long-term consequences of electrocution can be extremely severe, causing various health problems, including:
- Kidney damage
- Paralysis
- Disruptions in heart rhythms
- Cataracts
Effects of electrocution-related nerve or brain damage
Electrical shock victims with nerve or brain damage may experience the following:
- Short-term memory loss
- Mobility issues
- Personality changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Traumatic brain injuries
Electrocution can cause injuries that have a long-lasting impact on physical health and finances, making it difficult for victims to manage injury-related expenses alone.
Electric Shock Signs and Symptoms
Identifying an electric shock is not always straightforward. High-voltage shocks can harm your body’s sensors and make it difficult to realize that you have been shocked. Electrocution symptoms may appear days or weeks later and could be mistaken for other health problems.
The following are some key indicators to look for if you think that you or a loved one has been electrocuted:
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Memory problems or cognitive difficulties
- Headaches or migraines
- Vision problems
- Fatigue or weakness
- Sleep disturbances
- Nausea or vomiting
- Respiratory issues
If you or someone else notices any of these symptoms after an electric shock, seek immediate medical attention. Secure the area where the electric shock occurred to prevent further accidents and ensure safety.
Which Jobs Have the Highest Risk of Electrocution?
Although electrocution poses a risk in many occupations, workers in specific fields are more susceptible to such accidents than others. Individuals at the greatest risk of electrocution include construction workers, roofers, power line workers, engineers, and electricians.
The government takes the safety of workers in high-risk jobs very seriously, which is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces strict safety regulations to prevent electrocution accidents in the workplace. Compliance with OSHA standards is essential for a safe work environment and reducing the risk of electrocution.
The OSHA regulations cover areas such as:
- Electrical safety standards
- Lockout/tag-out procedures
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Training
- Grounding
- Hazard analysis
Who Is Liable for an Electrocution Accident?
Establishing liability in an electrocution incident is crucial for securing fair compensation. Liability depends on both the location and cause of the accident. These factors can aid in pinpointing which of the parties involved is to blame for the accident.
The parties commonly held responsible for electrical accidents are:
- Employers
- Coworkers
- Property owners
- Contractors overseeing construction or maintenance work
- Manufacturers of faulty electrical equipment or tools
- Utility companies responsible for maintaining electrical infrastructure
Sometimes, an electrocution accident may be the fault of just one party. In other instances, however, multiple parties may share the blame. Electrocution injury attorneys have the necessary resources and experience to determine fault.
What Should I Do After an Electrocution Accident?
The first step after an accident is to see a doctor immediately, even if you do not have any visible injuries.
If you were electrocuted at work, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Filing a claim can help you recoup financial losses brought on by the accident. You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both.
Workers’ compensation benefits
A worker can receive compensation for workplace injuries, regardless of fault.
Workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Medical coverage: Workers’ compensation covers medical costs for work-related injuries or illnesses. These expenses include hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, and surgeries.
- Wage replacement: Workers’ compensation provides wage replacement when an employee cannot work due to a work-related injury. These benefits help compensate for lost wages during the recovery period.
- Disability benefits: Workers’ compensation may provide disability benefits to employees with temporary or permanent disabilities. These benefits offer ongoing income support.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Some electrocution injuries can be so severe that an employee cannot return to his or her previous job. Workers’ compensation can pay for vocational training if an individual cannot continue a job due to injury or illness. These services help injured workers gain new skills and find employment in a different field.
- Death benefits: If a worker dies because of a work-related injury, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to his or her dependents. These benefits offer financial support to surviving family members.
Electrocution accident compensation
The amount of compensation may vary depending on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The nature of the accident
- The possible negligence of your employer
Have you or a loved one been injured in an electrocution accident? We empathize with the pain and challenges you are experiencing. Contact the lawyers of Siegfried & Jensen to initiate your compensation case.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
To file an electrocution claim, you must take the following steps.
Report the incident and seek medical attention
Notify your employer immediately after the electrocution accident occurs. Ensure that the incident is documented in your employer’s records. Also, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Gather evidence
Workers’ compensation claims rarely need evidence, but personal injury claims do.
Strong evidence can make all the difference when filing an injury claim. So, it is necessary to gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your injury claim. Your attorney will handle this step for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Notify your employer and complete the claim forms
Let your employer know that you intend to file a workers’ compensation claim for the electrocution accident. He or she should provide you with the necessary forms and instructions for filing the claim.
Your attorney can help you complete the required workers’ compensation claim forms accurately and thoroughly. You must include details about the accident, your injuries, and the medical treatment you have received.
Submit and follow up on your claim
For Utah claims, for instance, a legal team that practices locally can submit the completed claim forms to the Utah Labor Commission’s Division of Industrial Accidents and ensure that all required documentation is included.
Lastly, you should keep track of your claim’s progress. Be sure to reply promptly to any requests for more information from your attorney. He or she can handle communication with the workers’ compensation insurer or the Utah Labor Commission.
Consider hiring an attorney
Filing for workers’ compensation can be overwhelming. You might face challenges like having your claim denied or disagreements about settlements, which is why you should consider hiring an electrocution injury attorney. With the help of a committed attorney, you can ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Speak to an Electrocution Injury Attorney Today
Electrical injuries can be devastating or even fatal. At Siegfried & Jensen, we understand the devastating impact that electrocution injuries can have on individuals and their families.
Have you or a loved one experienced an electrocution injury at work? If so, our team of knowledgeable lawyers is here to assist you. With a deep understanding of occupational safety in Utah, we have the expertise necessary to advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Let us stand by your side as you navigate the legal process and work towards recovery and justice. Call 801-845-9000 or complete the online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
