One of the biggest risks to workers in the workplace, particularly those in the construction and utility industries, is electricity. Electricity and electrical parts can cause serious injuries to workers, including death. When a worker sustains an electrical injury while working, he or she has the right to file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits. In some cases, a worker is also allowed to file a third-party liability lawsuit for damages. Review either option with our electrocution and injury lawyers in New York by calling 800-550-0000.
Types of Electrical Injuries
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are four main types of electrical injuries that a worker may sustain.
The electrical injury types are listed below.
- Electrocution (fatal)
- Electrical shock
- Electrical burns
- Falls caused by contact with electrical energy
All of the above injuries are extremely serious, although electrocution is fatal and therefore the most severe electrical injury. However, a fall caused by contact with electricity also can be fatal, and an electrical shock or burn can cause long-term disabilities or disfigurement.
Causes of Electrical Exposure
According to a report published by the Electrical Safety Foundation International, the number-one cause of fatal electrocutions from 2003 to 2010 was contact with overhead power lines. Contact with overhead power lines can occur as a result of a workplace accident, poor training practices, or poor safety standards on the job.
Other causes of electrical injuries for workers include coming into contact with electrical wiring, electrical transformers, and/or the electric current of machines, tools or light fixtures. Sometimes, this exposure is a result of poor electrical wiring or frayed and worn wiring.
Who can file a claim for workers’ compensation?
The vast majority of employers in the state of New York are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. If you’ve been injured in an electrical accident while working, regardless of whether or not the accident was your fault (unless under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances at the time of accident), you can file a claim for benefits.
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, you will not need to prove who was at fault for the accident; rather, you will just have to prove that a workplace accident occurred and that accident caused your injuries. You also will have to submit to a medical examination if asked to do so.
Other Recovery Options for Workers in Electrical Accidents
In addition to filing a workers’ compensation claim for benefits, some workers may file a third-party liability lawsuit for damages, depending upon the circumstances. If a third-party caused the electrical injury, then that person may be liable for damages. Filing claims for third-party liability are complicated because they require providing fault for accidents, unlike workers’ comp claims. But when successful, they do offer benefits not provided by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering damages. If you think that a third-party may be responsible for your workplace electrical injury, you should speak with an attorney.
Why You Need Electrocution Injury Attorneys in New York
If you’re a worker who has been injured on the job or the family of worker who died because of a workplace electrical accident, get help from an attorney. Electrical injuries lawyers in New York can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, fight to make sure that your claim is approved and that you get your full benefits. If you need to file a third-party suit for damages, an attorney can help you do that, too.
At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., our legal team is passionate about making sure that workers in our state get the legal representation they deserve after being injured. Call us today at 800-550-0000 to set up a case consultation.
