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Electric shock at a construction site is likely to result in serious injury. The injuries may lead to heart and breathing problems, and nerve and muscle damage, which they can be long term. The seriousness of the injury depends on the length and frequency of the electric shock. Electrocution often occurs around exposed wires, where power sources are not covered properly, or around complicated construction equipment.
What to Do
When you suffer an electric shock while at work, ensure you receive a thorough medical examination as soon as possible. After the examination reveals you’ve been injured, file an electric shock lawsuit for compensation.
Your attorneys will collect information about the extent of your injuries, the cause of the electric shock, and prepare a report on the full effect the injuries will have on your body over time.
The Workers Compensation System
The most immediate source of compensation if you are an employee hurt at a construction site due to electric shock is the workers compensation. The workers compensation system laws apply regardless of fault except if you are drunk or under the influence.
A non-employee is also eligible for damages lawsuit — however, in a personal lawsuit brought in civil court.
A look at the circumstances of your accident, you have grounds to seek additional damages under a separate personal injury claim known as third-party claim.
Third-Party Claim
The side of the meter electricity comes from and hurts someone, affects liability. Improper transmission of high voltage of electricity or the improper construction, installation, or maintenance of power lines that cause electric shock can be the fault of either the employer or property owner.
If the negligence of someone other than your employer is responsible for the electric shock, you qualify for third-party claim. This ensures you will receive full compensation for your injuries and that all negligent parties are held accountable.
The negligent parties try to avoid responsibility when they shift blame to someone else. Your attorney will work tirelessly to accurately identify the responsible parties. And they will undertake every available option to see to it that you get every pay for the harm you have suffered.
The property owner is held responsible once its established electricity flows through his electric meter. You hold the property owner liable for a faulty electrical system under a theory of premises liability.
Other Potential Parties
A public utility may be responsible for an electric shock on its side of the meter or under a negligence theory or premises liability theory when it owns the transmission poles and other equipment involved. For example, you should sue an electrical company for injuries caused by wires that sag over a construction site or for failure to properly insulate electric lines on site.
Also, you should sue the electric company for failure to insulate a live wire near trees. In some cases, to determine the party responsible, an expert is called to trace the source of the escape of electricity and to determine which party had operational control.
Other potential third parties include manufacturers. For example, a product you use to protect yourself against electric shock at a construction site has a defect, or develops a problem that was not foreseeable. In such a case, you file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Types of Electric Shock Injuries You May Experience at a Construction Site
You face several injuries as a result of electric shock at a construction site. It is important you understand how they occur and what the consequences of the injuries are. The compensation varies depending on the type of injury you face.
- Electric shock
An electric shock is caused when the electric charge goes through your body. It usually goes through the hand or foot. Shocks cause damage to your internal organs. Even a small bit can cause injury. No matter how big or small the shock, you need to undergo a medical examination.
- Falls
Falls, slips, and trips occur as a result of an electric shock. For example, when you stand on a chair or step ladder and electricity goes through you, you are bound to fall on the ground. You could injure your head, or break your bones in the process.
- Burn
You may experience a burn when the current passes through your tissues.
The amount you claim for compensation will depend on your circumstance of the accident, the type of injury you receive, and how long your recovery period is predicted to take.
