Electrical Injuries
Perhaps not as common as other injuries on construction sites, electrocution still provides a very real and often deadly risk. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, around 400 fatalities occur every year from electrocution on construction sites. In addition to these fatalities, many nonfatal electrical accidents occur on construction sites every year. Most of these accidents are avoidable, often caused by the negligence of the party responsible for the property. The construction accident attorneys at the Cochran Firm have years of experience in helping workers injured at work get the compensation they deserve.
Types of Electrical Injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes four types of electrical injuries:
- Burns
- Electric shock
- Falls caused by electrical shock
- Fatal electrocution
Electric shock can damage both external skin and internal organs. Some shocks may seem to leave only a minor external wound when it has actually caused major damage to internal tissues. All electrical shocks should be evaluated by a medical professional, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Common Causes of Electrocution
Electrocution can be both a Workers’ Compensation and a premises liability issue. The most common dangers for electrocution are:
- Live wires that have not been grounded
- Faulty equipment
- Inadequate tools
- Poorly marked construction zones
- Inadequate lighting at construction sites
When you are injured on the job, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. When your injury results in death, your family has the right to seek compensation in a wrongful death suit. In either case, the personal attorneys at the Cochran Firm are prepared to help you receive the full amount you are due.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries from electrocution on a construction site, please contact the experienced electrocution injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm for a free consultation and overview of your rights. We serve clients nationwide.