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Explore the depths of recovering damages for electrocution injuries at work with Conoscienti and Ledbetter. Call us today for more information about employer liability and worker’s compensation.
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on December 21, 2023.
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Introduction to Electrocution Injuries at Work
Electrical injuries or electrocutions occur when the body makes direct contact with an electrical current. These incidents can cause severe burns, internal organ damage, and soft tissue injuries. Various professions, including construction, electrical maintenance, utilities, and office work, expose individuals to the risk of serious injury from electrocution. Not following safety standards or providing proper training and protective gear (PPE) increases the chances of these accidents.
If you or someone you know has suffered electrocution at work, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. It’s essential to understand your rights and legal options in such cases. You don’t have to bear the financial burden of medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by someone else’s negligence. This article gives an overview of the process of recovering damages for electrocution injuries at work and outlines the legal avenues available.
At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, we handle personal injury cases and workers’ compensation with a team of highly experienced legal professionals. With our extensive knowledge of the legal system, we can file and skillfully navigate the complexities of these matters, ensuring justice is served, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Understanding Electrocution and Its Consequences
Electric shocks and electrocutions, common in workplaces, involve the flow of electric current through the body, causing internal and external tissue damage and potential harm to organs. Severe muscle spasms may lead to joint dislocation or fractures, making moving away from the electrical source challenging. Faulty equipment, working with live parts, or proximity to assumed non-operational machinery often contribute to these workplace electrical accidents, too.
The Severity of Electrocution Injuries
Studies indicate that electric shock injuries can result in significant harm, manifesting in symptoms like cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, coma, blunt trauma, and burns. Differentiating between low-voltage and high-voltage AC injuries is crucial, as the former may cause superficial burns, while the latter can result in severe thermal burns. You should also consider essential details regarding the source of the injury, duration of contact, and resulting trauma.
From a legal standpoint, genuine electrical injuries occur when an individual disrupts an electrical current and becomes part of the circuit. In a court of law, four main types of electrical injuries may warrant further attention:
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Electric Shock: This occurs when the body comes into contact with an electrical current, causing it to redirect through the body. High voltages or prolonged exposure can be fatal, while minor shocks may cause minimal harm, depending on the individual’s health.
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Electric Burns: The heat generated by electricity can inflict severe damage to the skin, resulting in tissue searing and potential organ failure. Victims may suffer internal burns and require multiple surgeries for recovery. Thermal burns, caused by sparks igniting overheated equipment or faulty wiring, have the potential to be fatal.
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Falls before or after an electric shock: Workplace incidents often involve falls following contact with electricity. Among the most vulnerable are construction workers, telephone line repair teams, and individuals working near power lines. Survivors of such falls often endure long-term complications, ranging from organ damage and burns to bone fractures, nerve injuries, and excruciating pain.
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Electrocution: Electrocution happens when there is exposure to extremely high voltage, causing instantaneous death. It can happen due to accidents, such as being struck by lightning or coming into contact with systems like subway lines.
Considering these injury types is crucial when establishing liability in electrical incidents.
Speak with trusted personal injury lawyer today, for free.
Employer Liability and Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for conducting regular inspections and maintenance of electrical equipment in a workplace and providing comprehensive employee training.
If an employer fails to meet the required standards, they may be liable for any resulting injuries. Skilled attorneys can assist in proving negligence in a personal injury claim for injuries and identifying grounds for potential claims or lawsuits.
Workers’ Compensation for Electrocution Injuries
When a worker gets injured or killed due to electrocution on the job, they can usually file a claim for relief under workers’ compensation laws to cover expenses. In cases where workers’ compensation applies, the injured person doesn’t even have to prove employer negligence.
Under workers’ comp guidelines, injured workers can get compensation, even if they’re partly or wholly responsible for their injuries. This insurance helps with lost wages and medical expenses when workers can’t work. If someone gets an electrical injury or loses their life at work, they or their family can file a workers’ compensation claim. And sometimes, they can also file a third-party injury claim against contractors, power companies, or property owners.
If you’re wondering, “Will I be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if I get electrocuted at work?” the answer is usually yes. In Georgia, where you work, you can likely get compensation for medical bills and lost pay in case of a workplace injury or illness, like electrocutions. However, file a claim promptly to ensure you get fair compensation. Delaying the claim could result in benefits being denied.
Pursuing a Legal Case for Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution injuries may involve multiple liable parties, such as employers, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. That’s why seeking legal representation from experienced attorneys who comprehend the intricacies of electrocution injury cases is crucial.
An Atlanta electrocution attorney follows specific steps when filing a personal injury lawsuit:
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Collecting and presenting evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies.
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Determining responsible parties and assessing their level of liability.
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Constructing a compelling case to establish liability and negotiating with insurance companies for fair settlements.
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Representing you in court if necessary, defending rights, and maximizing compensation.
In certain situations, insurance companies may attempt to dismiss workers’ compensation claims by emphasizing factors unrelated to the job. Skilled legal representation can make a significant difference in such cases.
Experienced settlement attorneys will engage highly qualified expert witnesses, including forensic pathologists, power infrastructure professionals, electrical engineering professionals, mechanical engineering professionals, reliability engineers, National Electric Safety Code professionals, wood scientists, economists, and professionals in various injuries and medical fields.
Don’t delay. Schedule a risk-free consultation today.
Act Now to Secure Your Rights and Recovery
Suffering an electrocution injury can have devastating and long-lasting consequences. However, you don’t have to endure this journey alone. At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, we are dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time. With a proven track record of successfully handling personal injury cases, we are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.
Our approach involves crafting personalized legal strategies to maximize compensation and safeguard your rights. If you have experienced an electrocution injury, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let our team of skilled attorneys advocate for the compensation you rightfully deserve, guiding you toward a brighter future.
In addition to handling personal injury cases, we have extensive experience in managing business contracts. Recognizing the significance of these agreements, we are committed to meeting your business’s legal requirements with meticulousness. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards rebuilding your life.
Decatur Office
(404) 373-5800
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030
