NYC Construction Electrocution Attorney

On New York City construction sites, electrocution and other types of electrical accidents are common dangers. These incidents can happen in a second and result in serious injury or death. Whether it’s bad wiring, faulty equipment, or neglected power lines, the consequences of an electrical accident can be devastating for workers and their families.

At Richman Law Firm PLLC, we know electrocution cases and what they do to victims. Our personal injury attorneys represent workers who suffered an electrical injury and need legal guidance. Don’t go through this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Compensation in Electrocution Accidents

Electrocution accidents can be devastating for construction workers, often resulting in serious injuries or death. Victims may need to file a personal injury claim to seek full compensation.

We know the physical, emotional, and financial impact these accidents have on victims and their families, which is why we make sure all aspects of an electrocution injury are considered.

Electrocution accident compensation typically falls into the following categories:

Medical Expenses

This includes medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering due to an electrical injury. Compensation can come from different sources, such as workers’ compensation and third-party lawsuits.

Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

Electrocution injuries mean time off work. You may be entitled to compensation for wages lost during recovery, reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your old job, or loss of future earnings if you’re permanently disabled.

Pain and Suffering

This non-economic damage compensates victims for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. While it’s harder to quantify, it’s often a big part of an electrical injury compensation.

What Affects Compensation for Electrical Injuries

Several things can impact the amount of compensation in such incidents:

Severity of Injuries: More serious injuries mean more compensation due to higher medical bills, longer recovery time, and a greater impact on your quality of life.

Long-term Impact on Quality of Life: Permanent disability, chronic pain, and impact on personal relationships affect the amount of compensation.

Degree of Negligence: If the accident was due to gross negligence or willful disregard for safety, you may be entitled to punitive damages. We investigate electrocution circumstances to determine if that’s the case.

Electrical Shock Causes

New York City construction sites have many hazards, including live wires, electrical sources, and safety violations. Most electrical shocks can be prevented with safety measures, but here are common instances leading to electrical shock claims:

Exposed Wiring: Frayed cords, damaged insulation, and exposed wires are significant risks on a job site. OSHA requires all wiring to be insulated and protected. However, some contractors don’t respect the rules and put workers at risk.

Faulty Equipment: Damaged power tools, malfunctioning machinery, and poorly maintained electrical systems can cause electric shocks. Equipment inspections and maintenance are crucial to worker safety.

A Lack of Safety Measures: Inadequate safety protocols increase the risk of electric shock. Safety measures include personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout procedures, and worker training.

Contact with Overhead Power Lines: Overhead power lines are the third leading cause of electrocution accidents in construction. Workers and general contractors frequently underestimate how far electricity can jump from a power line to a conductive object. 

Water and Electricity: Wet conditions on construction sites contribute to electrical risks. Rain and flooding can turn minor electrical issues into major safety concerns, so workers must be extra careful when working with electrical equipment in wet environments.

Improper Grounding: Proper grounding is often overlooked or improperly implemented. Grounding provides a safe path for electric current to flow into the earth, reducing the risk of electric shock and equipment damage. Ungrounded electrical systems or equipment create a serious hazard for workers.

Electric Shock Injuries in Construction Accidents

Electric shock injuries on a construction site can be serious and life-changing. At Richman Law Firm PLLC, we have seen firsthand the devastating effects these injuries have on victims and their families.

Here are the most common types of electric shock injuries that can lead to an electrocution accident case in New York City:

Burns

Electrical accidents are the most common and visible cause of burns from electric shock. They can be minor or severe and are classified into three types:

1. Electrical Burns happen when an electric current passes through the body, damaging internal tissue. The extent of the injury depends on voltage, amperage, and duration of contact.
2. Arc Flash can result in serious burns caused by high temperatures near the body after an electrical arc or explosion. They can cause severe external burns without the current passing through the body.
3. Thermal Contact Burns occur when the skin comes into contact with overheated electrical equipment or wiring. They can cause significant damage to the skin and underlying tissue.

Nerve Damage

Electrical shock can cause nerve damage and neurological problems. You may feel temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, weakness, or paralysis. Nerve damage may not be immediately apparent and can develop or worsen over time.

Cardiac Arrest

One of the most serious and life-threatening effects of electrical shock is on the heart. The electric current can cause ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Even if the initial shock doesn’t cause immediate cardiac arrest, you may be at risk of heart problems later on.

Respiratory arrest can happen when electrocution causes paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Respiratory arrest can lead to cardiac arrest, brain damage, and even death.

Fatal Electrocution

Sadly, some construction site electrocution accidents are fatal. These cases involve high voltage shocks, prolonged exposure to electric current, and delayed or no medical treatment. In such cases, the family of the victim may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

The Legal Rights of Electric Shock Accident Victims

Construction site electrical injuries, such as electrocution, electrical burns, and damage to muscles, internal organs, and nerves, can have severe consequences. When an electric shock accident happens on a New York construction site, victims have rights beyond workers’ compensation.

Third-Party Claims

While workers’ compensation covers some damages, it often doesn’t cover all of them in a serious electric shock accident. In many cases, victims pursue third-party claims. These claims allow you to sue parties who contributed to the accident.

Negligent Contractors or Subcontractors: Construction sites may have multiple contractors and subcontractors. If a contractor or subcontractor was negligent and caused your electric shock injury, you may have a claim against them.

Equipment Manufacturers: Faulty equipment is a common cause of electric shock accidents. If your injury was caused by defective tools, machinery, or safety equipment, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

Property Owners: In some cases, the property owner where construction occurs may be liable for electric shock accidents.

Statute of Limitations

Please note that there are strict time limits for third-party claims in New York. If you don’t file within three years, you may lose your right to compensation. That’s why you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

Don’t go through this alone if you or a loved one was electrically shocked on a NYC construction site. At Richman Law Firm PLLC, we help NYC construction electrocution victims.

Our construction accident attorneys know the effects of electrical injuries and will fight for the rights of injured construction workers. Whether you have electrical burns, nerve damage, or other severe injuries from electric shock, we can help you fight for the best possible compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.