Washington, DC Electrocution Accident Lawyer

Injured or Lost a Loved One in an Electrocution Accident?

Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC electrocution accident lawyer can make a critical difference after an incident that leaves victims facing severe injuries, loss of income, or the death of a loved one. Electrocution accidents raise complex questions about safety standards, faulty equipment, and who should be held responsible, especially when they occur on worksites, commercial properties, or in residential settings where electrical hazards were overlooked. We bring nearly 200 years of combined experience to investigating those questions, identifying responsible parties, and building cases that hold negligent parties accountable.

Our board-certified partners are all named among the nation’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, and we are consistently recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in America. That depth of skill, supported by the resources needed to take on powerful defendants, has resulted in more than $1 billion in personal injury recoveries. More than 100 5 star Google reviews reflect the trust clients place in our team.

Have you or someone you love been injured in an electrocution accident? Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our award-winning attorneys will reach out to you. We’re available 24/7, and there is no fee unless we win your case.

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Which Workers Are Most at Risk of Electrocution Accidents?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 150 people die from electrocution accidents at work each year. A 2026 study found that electrocution accidents are among the four leading causes of death for construction workers in the U.S. with around 50% of incidents involving overhead power lines and roughly 30% involving stored electricity. 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.

While 2025 data from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) lists 131 electrical-related fatalities in the construction industry between 2011 and 2023, it’s not just construction workers on jobsites that are injured in electrocution accidents. 74% of workplace electrical fatalities occur in non-electrical occupations, including roles such as:

 

  • General laborers: 142 fatalities
  • Roofers: 38 fatalities
  • HVAC and refrigeration mechanics: 43 fatalities
  • Tree-trimming workers: 64 fatalities

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) 978-4851 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.

Electrocution Accident, Railroad worker Fallen on Tracks

Types of Electrocution Injuries

There are four main types of electrocution injuries:

Burns

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.

Electric shock, or nonfatal electrocution

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

 

  • muscle spasms,
  • tears to muscles, ligament, and tendons,
  • respiratory system problems, such as difficulty breathing, and
    nervous system issues, such as pain, numbness, and seizures.

Fatal electrocution

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.

Falls caused as a result of electrical shock

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.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Electrocution Accidents?

Many electrocution accidents can be avoided. Around the home and at work, avoid the following common causes of electrocution accidents.

Faulty or damaged extension cords

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

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.

Faulty or damaged electrical appliances and devices

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.

Electric power lines

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.

What Compensation Is Available for Electrocution Accident Victims?

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:

 

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Rehabilitation
  • Medications
  • Medical devices, such as a wheelchair or walker
  • Mental health counseling

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.

What Does the Acronym BE SAFE Stand For?

Sal Zambri Washington, DC personal injury lawyer

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:

 

    • Burns
    • Electrocution
    • Shock
    • Arc Flash/Arc Blast
    • Fire
    • Explosions

B = Burns are the most common electric shock-related injury.

 

= 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.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long As Your Electrocution Accident Lawyers?

The lawyers of Regan Zambri Long have extensive premises liability and 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.

That experience has led to dozens of multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts recovered on behalf of personal injury victims, including clients harmed by serious and catastrophic accidents.

 

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:

 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Top Electrocution Accident Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions about Electrocution Accidents in Washington, DC

Do I need to hire a lawyer to pursue my electrocution accident claim?

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.

 

  • Personal injury. A personal injury claim can be filed when another person or company causes injury to you by their reckless or negligent actions.
  • Workers’ compensation. If you were injured as an employee on the job, you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim. But if your accident was caused by someone other than your employer, you may be able to file a personal injury claim even if the accident happened at your workplace.
  • Product liability.If your electrocution accident occurred because of a faulty or defective product, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or retailer.
  • Premises liability. If your electrocution accident happened on someone else’s property, you may be able to pursue a premises liability claim against the property owner if they were negligent.
  • Wrongful death. If your loved one was killed in an electrocution accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to receive compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, lost future wages, and more.

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:

 

  • What or who caused the accident?
  • How the accident happened?
  • How severe and long-lasting are your injuries?
  • Will you suffer with a lifelong disability?
  • How much insurance coverage is available?

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:

 

    • Top 10% Super Lawyers (out of 80,000 lawyers)
    • AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
    • “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC
    • Board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a certification that less than 1% of the DC Metro area lawyers have obtained
    • Board-certified in as a “Senior Specialist” in Civil Pretrial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
    • Listed in Best Lawyers for Washington, DC and Baltimore

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Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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