Electrocution is one of the “Fatal Four” causes of death in construction accidents, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). When a company, contractor, subcontractor, developer, or landowner fails to uphold safety standards and a worker is electrocuted, they can be held liable for the victim’s damages. If you were injured or your loved one died after electrocution in a construction accident, we are prepared to provide you with effective, strategic legal counsel.
At Rochelle McCullough, we have extensive experience representing construction workers and their families to pursue accountability, justice, and the maximum compensation for victims of electrocutions. Contact Rochelle McCullough to schedule a complimentary initial consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.
Common Causes of Electrocution Accidents on Construction Sites
Many electrical accidents at construction sites are preventable and would not have happened absent one or more parties’ negligence. When you work with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident, your attorney can begin gathering evidence related to the cause of the electrocution that will help you prove liability. Common causes of preventable electrocutions at construction sites include the following:
- Electrical overloads
- Fallen power lines
- Exposure to an overhead or buried power line
- Contact with electrical equipment or sources
- Defective equipment or tools
- Lack of notification regarding dangerous voltage
- Lack of safety training to avoid electrocution
- Code violations, including exposed wires and electrical outlets
Injuries Caused by Electrical Burns
Many electrocution accidents are fatal because of the massive surge of electrical current that travels into the victim’s body. Some victims are able to survive electric shocks, but those who survive may experience life-altering symptoms. Even if an electrical burn looks minor, there may be significant unseen internal damage. When electricity courses through a person’s body, it can generate energy that can cause devastating injuries, including:
- Electrical, arc, or thermal burns
- Cardiac arrest
- Tissue damage, including the destruction of muscles and nerves, from the passing current
- Physical injuries from twitching, flailing, or falling
Who Is Liable for My Injuries?
The first step in obtaining compensation for your injuries is determining which party is at fault for the accident. Multiple parties sometimes contribute to the electrical accident and can all be held financially responsible for your injuries. After a thorough investigation, the attorneys at Rochelle McCullough will identify all liable parties and develop a legal strategy to pursue the maximum compensation possible in a situation. Depending on the circumstances of your unique case, the following parties may be liable for your injuries;
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Power and utility companies
- Property owners
Workers’ Compensation Benefits After an Electrical Accident
Construction workers who are injured due to electrocution on a job site may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits from their employer. Even if you, the employee partially contributed to the accident, you will still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In Texas, workers’ compensation benefits compensate for medical expenses and a portion of the employee’s lost wages. Workers’ compensation benefits can be helpful, but applying for benefits may not be the best option if you’ve been seriously injured in an accident.
When you accept workers’ compensation benefits, you will be required to relinquish your right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Workers’ compensation benefits do not provide injured employees damages for pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement, and other non-economic damages they’ve experienced due to their injuries. Discussing your case with an attorney can help you decide whether pursuing a personal injury lawsuit would be a better strategy for recovering your full and fair compensation.
The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an electrocution accident on a construction site or your family member was killed in a workplace accident, it’s important to understand your rights. Working with an attorney can help you learn whether you have a valid claim for compensation against the party or parties whose negligence caused the electrocution accident.
The attorneys at Rochelle McCullough are skilled negotiators and litigators. From the moment we begin representing you, we will begin carefully investigating all the facts and circumstances involved in the electrocution accident. Our legal representation will be focused on the following:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Determining all of the parties who may be liable for the electrocution
- Consulting with financial experts to determine your future lost wages if your injuries have a long-term impact on job opportunities
- Interviewing physicians and other financial experts to determine the possible future medical treatment and associated costs, limitations upon future work, lifestyle ramifications, and pain and suffering
- Taking any other actions needed to build the case for liability and full compensation
Steps to Take After Electrocution in a Texas Construction Accident
You may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit or third-party personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party if you or your loved one has suffered injuries due to an electrocution accident at a construction site or you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
It’s important that you receive medical treatment as soon as possible and follow through on your treatment and appointments. Keep all your medical records and bills and write down information about your pain levels, days you must take off work, and activities you can no longer engage in due to your injuries. Don’t accept a settlement offer until you discuss it with your attorney because the amount may be too low to cover all your current and future expenses.
Contact an Electrocution Injury Attorney in Dallas
At Rochelle McCullough, we represent construction workers on a contingency basis and will not charge you for legal fees or costs until we secure compensation on your client’s behalf. Our attorneys work tirelessly to identify all parties liable for electrocution injury accidents that occur on construction sites. We will fight tenaciously to seek the maximum compensation for injury victims and their families. Contact Rochelle McCullough to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.