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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hundreds of people die from electrocution accidents at work each year. Electrocution accidents are the fourth leading cause of death for construction workers in the U.S. In addition to fatal injuries, hundreds more workers suffer severe, nonfatal injuries, such as burns or broken bones, as a result of electrocution accidents.
Many electrocution accidents could have been avoided if proper safety measures were in place. If you were injured in an electrocution accident, or if your loved one was killed, you may be able to receive compensation from the responsible party.
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It’s not just construction workers on jobsites that are injured in electrocution accidents. Other workers are often injured when their workplace does not follow proper safety procedures. Plus, homeowners and others can be injured by downed power lines and improperly marked underground electric wires.
Electrocution accidents can cause serious and even fatal injuries. If you or a loved one were injured or killed in an electrocution accident, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
Whether you’re ready to file a claim or you’re not sure if a lawsuit is a right path for you, an electrocution accidents attorney in Washington, DC can review your case in a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (202) 960-4596 or send us a message now to schedule your free case evaluation today.
We will talk to you about whether you can receive compensation for your injuries with a personal injury claim, a premises liability lawsuit, or a product liability case. And we can discuss whether to file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one was killed in an electrocution accident. If you were injured on the job, we will speak with you about workers’ compensation benefits and claims.
There are four main types of electrocution injuries:
Burns from electricity can be superficial (on the outside of the body) or internal (on the inside of the body). As electricity passes through the body, it can burn the skin or internal organs and tissues. Burns typically occur where the electricity entered the body (the entry point) and where it exited the body (the exit point). For example, if a person touches a live electrical wire with his hand, his hand will be burned. If the electricity exits the body through the person’s foot as it travels through the body and back out to the ground, his foot would also likely be burned. Any skin, muscles, organs, or other tissues between the two could also suffer burns.
When electricity travels through the body quickly, or if the voltage is very low, the electric shock can be severe but not fatal. This kind of nonfatal electrocution can cause
When high voltage electricity travels through the body, it can kill. This is a fatal electrocution. An immediate death is usually caused by cardiac arrest. The current of electricity overwhelms the rhythm of the heart, causing it to stop beating. If a person receives CPR quickly, then they may recover without life-long disability. But if the electrocution is severe or CPR is not given swiftly, brain damage and death may result.
Electrocution often causes unconsciousness. This means that a person who is electrocuted is likely to fall as a result of the electric shock. A fall can be fatal, even if the electric shock is not.
Many electrocution accidents can be avoided. Around the home and at work, avoid the following common causes of electrocution accidents.
Extension cords are often the cause of electrical fires and burn injuries. Due to the quick wear and tear at some jobsites, such as a construction site, extension cords may have exposed wires that can cause fires or electrocution accidents. Ensure an extension cord is not overloaded with too many plugs, and that an electrical outlet is not overloaded with extension cords.
Electrical outlets are a leading cause of electrocution injuries. Many electrical shocks that a person experiences by touching an electrical outlet are not severe. But, if a person is touching the metal prongs of an electrical plug as it is inserted into the outlet, serious electrocution injuries can occur.
Electric appliances can cause electrocution accidents. In a workplace and especially on construction sites, electrical devices are needed. Make sure the appliances and devices are regularly inspected. If any appliance or device appears broken, has worn plugs, or cracked wires, remove them from operation. Also, do not use electrical equipment near water or other liquids as this can lead to electrocution accidents.
Power lines carry significant risk, especially on a construction jobsite. Placing a ladder or other lift near a power line can cause electrocution if it contacts the power line. In addition, downed power lines should be avoided as they may be live. Touching a live downed wire is likely to be fatal.
When you file a lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries, including paying for the costs and expenses of the following:
Sometimes you can also receive compensation for lost wages if you are unable to work. Lost wage compensation can include current lost wages as you are unable to work, and future lost wages if your electrocution accident causes a long-term disability that prevents you from working in the future, or forever. Many accident victims also recover for pain and suffering, both physical and emotional.
The letters of “BE SAFE” describe the types of electrical hazards that can cause electrocution accidents. The Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created the acronym. The letters stand for:
B = Burns are the most common electric shock-related injury.
E = Electrocution results when a human is exposed to a high amount of electrical energy. OSHA defines it as fatal, though other sources refer to electrocution as either fatal or nonfatal.
S = Shock results when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit. The electric current enters the body at one point and leaves at another.
A = Arc Flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap exists because of a breakdown between electrical conductors. The heat and intense light of an arc flash can cause burns.
F = Fires from electrical distribution are often caused by faulty electrical outlets, old wiring and plugs, and overloaded switches and outlets.
E = Explosions can occur when electricity ignites an explosive mixture of material in the air.
The answer is almost always yes, especially if your injuries are serious, your medical expenses are high, and you are missing work without getting paid. Because there are time limitations for filing claims (called statutes of limitations), it is imperative to discuss your case with an electrocution accidents lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you hire a local lawyer experienced in handling Washington, DC electrocution accidents, the easier and more effectively your case can be resolved.
An experienced lawyer will work to collect the necessary evidence to show who caused your injuries, negotiate on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve, and advocate for changes in law or safety measures to ensure others do not suffer the same kinds of injuries in the future. Your lawyer can also handle any necessary discussions with witnesses, other lawyers, and insurance companies.
It depends. There are at least five different types of claims that may be right for you. An experienced attorney can assess your circumstances and determine which is the right course of action for you.
When you are injured in an electrocution accident, you must file your claim against the person who caused the accident within a specific period of time called the statute of limitations. Under D.C. law and Maryland law, you must file a personal injury claim within three years of the accident. In Virginia, you have even less time: two years from the date of the accident.
If you are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, the timeframe is much shorter. In D.C. and Virginia, you must provide notice in writing to your employer within 30 days of the accident. Under Maryland law, you must provide notice to your employer within 60 days of the accident. You have only one year from the date of the accident to file your claim in D.C. You have only two years from the date of the accident to file your workers’ compensation claim in Marlyand and Virginia.
If your accident caused severe injuries, then you may be entitled to more financial compensation. The amount of compensation is different for every accident. Our Washington, DC electrocution accident lawyers can provide you with an estimate of the compensation you deserve after a financial analysis and investigation to answer these questions:
The lawyers of Regan Zambri Long have extensive personal injury negotiation and trial experience, allowing them to advise clients effectively based upon their years of experience handling electrocution accident cases and other personal injury claims. We are also a dedicated and creative group of trial lawyers, able to provide clients with vigorous advocacy even when the case is unique.
Our lawyers serve clients with compassion. We are passionate about our goal of helping victims and their families put their lives back together and move forward in the best way possible after electrocution accidents.
The lawyers of Regan Zambri Long are among the top lawyers in the country, with many accolades. The recognition our lawyers have received include:
