Working with electricity poses a risk of serious injury and even death to construction workers in New York and New Jersey. Property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and construction site supervisors have a duty to protect the safety of every worker at the construction site at all times. This duty is not lessened simply because a danger may be obvious. Certain procedures like proper safety warnings about the potential for electrical shock and the dangers of high voltage, must be taken to ensure the safety of those working with, and around, electricity. Our New York and New Jersey construction site electrical injury lawyers can help if you have been injured in a jobsite accident involving electricity.
The Ginarte law firm has successfully represented workers who have been severely injured by electrical currents. We work with a team of construction site experts, electrical engineers, and site investigators to discover the cause of the worker’s injury. We also work with many doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, and hospitals to provide proper medical recovery for the injured worker.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Call 1-888-GINARTE (1-888-446-2783), or use our online form, to get in touch with our electrical injury lawyers. Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., also has eight convenient locations throughout the NY and NJ metro area: Manhattan, Queens Newark, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton, Perth Amboy and New Brunswick.
About Electricity Accidents At NY & NJ Construction Sites
It can be easy to forget just how dangerous electricity is, because it is such a big part of our daily lives. However, electrical current poses a serious safety threat, particularly, on construction sites where high-voltage power lines, electric tools and wiring are often present. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electrocution is the second leading cause of construction site fatalities. Thousands of workers suffer electrical shocks and burns each year, and some of them die from their injuries.
High-voltage power lines are one of the deadliest sources of electrical injuries at New York and New Jersey construction sites. If a worker makes contact with a live power line, serious injuries will likely result. That’s why construction companies, property owners, and other responsible parties have a duty to locate and identify electrical lines, and make sure that they are disabled or take measures to prevent workers from touching them. That is true for both buried cables and overhead power lines.
Many electrical accidents happen when something metal makes contact with a live power line. For example, metal ladders, dump truck beds, backhoes, cranes, and scaffolds can all be excellent conductors of electricity. Lightning is another safety hazard on construction sites, particularly, when workers are working at heights or using metal equipment. Safety measures are necessary to avoid these types of accidents.
Serious electrical injuries can also result from power tools that are not properly maintained, or extension cords that become worn and frayed. Tools and power cords must be inspected and properly maintained, and workers must receive training about their proper use to avoid accidents.
Injuries From Construction Site Electrical Accidents
Electricity causes some of the worst injuries that a construction worker can suffer. Serious burns, including entry and exit wounds, can be life-threatening. Electric shock can also damage internal organs and cause internal bleeding, nerve damage, and muscle damage. A low-voltage shock can result in heart irregularities. Some of these injuries might not be immediately evident, so it is always good to see a doctor after an electrical accident at a construction site. It is also possible for accidents with electricity to cause secondary accidents, such as someone getting shocked and then falling off of a ladder.
Compensation For NY & NJ Construction Site Electrical Accidents
If you are injured while working at a construction site, you are most likely entitled to workers’ compensation. While workers’ compensation is an important benefit, it alone is almost never enough to make an injured worker whole. That’s why it’s important to seek out damages from every party that is responsible for your electrical accident.
You cannot usually sue your employer after an electrical accident at a construction site. However, you might be able to bring a third-party construction accident lawsuit against other companies or individuals whose negligence played a role in your injury. For example, you might be able to sue a negligent property owner, prime contractor, subcontractor, developer, or vendor. The New York and New Jersey construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte law firm have experience with these types of cases, and know what to look for.
Hurt In An Electrical Accident? You’ve Found The Right Firm!
The NY & NJ construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte law firm are ready to help you. Call us today for a free case evaluation. Just dial 1-888-GINARTE (1-888-446-2783), or use our online form. We have more than 150 years of combined experience with construction injury lawsuits, including electrical injuries. Find out how our experience can help you. We collect fees only if you win your case.