Electrocution
Electrocution in the Workplace
Electrocution is one of the most common injuries in the workplace, and if you or someone you care about is electrocuted at work, you may be able to take legal action against your employer. All employers must follow certain rules and regulations set forth by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and if they do not, they could be held liable for any accident in the workplace.
The Impact of Electricity on the Human Body
When the human body is exposed to large amounts of electricity, it acts as an extremely effective conductor. This means that electricity flows through the body with ease, and if a worker comes into direct contact with electrical current, he or she can sustain serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. Electrical shock tends to kill in three ways.
Nerves, muscle, and tissue are destroyed by the high current.
A victim sustains serious and extensive thermal burns.
The victim goes into cardiac arrest (has a heart attack).
After a serious shock, many victims do not understand the full extent of their injuries. Often, what looks like a minor burn on the skin, can actually be a sign of more lethal internal injuries.
Contrary to belief, workers are electrocuted in many ways. After electrocution, a worker may experience breathing problems, muscle spasms, a decrease in alertness, and burns, and it is important for the worker to seek medical attention immediately. Employees are often electrocuted in the following ways.
Sticking metal items into an electrical outlet
Coming into contact with damaged or exposed wires or cords
Using malfunctioning appliances or equipment
Directly touching power lines or high-voltage batteries
Employer Responsibility
Employers have a distinct responsibility to ensure that employees have a safe environment to work in on a daily basis. If an employer neglects these responsibilities or engages in reckless behaviors, he or she can put the lives of workers at risk. To reduce the risk of electrical shock at worksites, employers should engage in the following actions regularly:
Repair or remove any exposed outlets, broken wires, lines, and batteries.
Ensure that workers know how to use high-voltage equipment properly.
Have a professional regularly inspect the quality and safety of equipment.
Immediately record and report any electrocutions to the proper authorities.
Remove or repair malfunctioning appliances from any jobsite.
Discuss the dangers of electrocution with employees, and how to take action in the event of an emergency.
If an employer fails to engage in the aforementioned activities, he or she could be held responsible in the event of an accident.
Death by Electrocution
Each year, numerous workers die from electrocution in the workplace. The statistics are simply staggering, and if someone you care about is killed in this manner, it is important that you understand your legal options. Depending on the circumstances of the electrocution, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit, even if you are receiving your loved one's workers' compensation benefits. If you can prove that there was negligent or reckless behavior that led to an electrocution, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit. If you win, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the following.
Emotional pain and suffering
Loss of future wages and savings
Medical bills
Funeral expenses
Loss of companionship
Your ability to win will largely depend on you hiring an experienced and knowledgeable construction accident lawyer. The opposing party will have access to a team of lawyers, experts, and other officials, and if you lack a broad understanding of the law, you could easily jeopardize your chances of winning.
Call The Husband & Wife Law Team
The Husband & Wife Law Team knows how to handle electrocution cases, and if you hire us, you will have access to an experienced electrocution attorney with a history of winning. Contact us today for a free consultation.