Electrical burns and shocks can cause neurological damage, paralysis and death in the worst circumstances. Because of the danger, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) categorizes electrocution as a serious workplace hazard and has standards to protect employees. These are frightening and painful injuries. The recovery period may be long and require physical therapy.
Fortunately, workers’ compensation may cover your injury-related expenses. Our experienced attorneys offer compassionate support and expert legal protection. We care for our clients and work on a case-by-case basis and are ready to support you through your Florida workers’ compensation case. Please contact us for a free consultation.
Trusted Counsel from Founding Partner, Stephen Berlin
“Catastrophic work injuries require the most experienced and knowledgeable attorneys. You want our firm with over 65 years of collective experience and one that only specializes in work-related accident/injuries.”
Who Has a High Risk of Being Electrocuted at Work?
Generally, occupations in construction, utilities, and manufacturing have the highest incidents of electrocution, including:
- Electricians
- Power line installers
- Plumbers
- Ironworkers
- Transportation and material moving
According to OSHA, many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards in their workplace, making them more vulnerable. It cites the following as the most frequent causes of injuries: contact with power lines, lack of ground-fault protection, path to ground missing or discontinuous, equipment not used in the manner prescribed, and improper use of extension and flexible cords.
What To Do After Being Electrocuted at Work
If you’ve been electrocuted or been harmed by any other work accident, it is important to act quickly to protect your health and workers’ comp benefits. Electrical injuries can range from minor burns to life-threatening internal damage, and symptoms may not appear immediately.
Here are the steps to take:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Even if you feel fine, you should still be evaluated by a medical professional, as internal injuries or cardiac complications may not be immediately evident.
- Notify Your Employer Promptly. After an electrocution injury at work, it’s essential to inform your employer as soon as possible. Florida law requires employees to report a workplace injury within 30 days of the incident—or from the date they first became aware the injury was work-related. This notification triggers your employer’s obligation to report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within seven days, which starts the process of securing medical treatment and wage replacement benefits.
- Document the Incident. If possible, document the scene, the source of the electrical hazard, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses. This evidence can be critical if your claim is delayed or disputed.
- Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney. Electrical injuries can lead to long-term complications, including neurological damage, chronic pain, and emotional distress. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure that you are fully compensated under Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law for all benefits to which you are entitled.
If you’ve suffered an electrocution at work, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Contact our firm today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the benefits you deserve.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Electrocution Cause?
As noted above, OSHA has implemented strict electrical standards, training and regulations to protect workers from injuries and deaths caused by electrocution.
Serious injuries include the following:
- Burns: Electrocution can cause burns across the body, particularly on the hands, arms, feet, and face. These burns can range from mild to severe depending on the voltage involved and can have long-term effects, including scarring and nerve damage.
- Cardiac Arrest: Electric shocks can cause heart failure leading to cardiac arrest. This can be fatal if not treated quickly.
- Respiratory Problems: Electric shock may cause breathing difficulty due to damage done to the respiratory system or other complications associated with electric shock, such as cardiac arrest or seizures.
- Nerve Damage: Electric shocks may cause nerve damage that can lead to numbness in limbs or other parts of the body, paralysis, muscle weakness or spasms, and difficulty with coordination and balance.
Florida as a No-Fault State
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning employers cannot deny a valid workers’ comp claim even if the accident was partially or wholly your fault. As such, you don’t need to prove fault to receive benefits. Further, as long as you were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of your accident and you were not acting with malicious intent, your injury should be covered.
Meet Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Berlin Law Firm is proud to serve injured workers across Florida. Our attorneys have nearly 40 years of combined experience working for workers’ compensation insurance companies, which makes all the difference in our clients’ claims. We’ve represented over 20,000 Florida work injury cases since our firm was founded in 2016, and our team is ready to handle every step of your claim and fight for your best interests.
Stephen Berlin, Esq.
Founder of Berlin Law Firm, Stephen Berlin, has over 30 years of experience within the Florida Workers’ Compensation System.
David Ruiz, Esq.
Attorney David Ruiz provides astute workers’ compensation legal representation and is fluent in English and Spanish.
Amanda Annunciata, Esq.
Attorney Annunciata works tirelessly for her clients and has been recognized for her exemplary professional excellence.
Meet Our Full Team of Attorneys
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
A work injury causes costly damage to nearly every aspect of your life. Some of the benefits that workers’ compensation may pay you include:
- Your medical costs
- Bills for rehabilitation
- Prescription drugs
- A portion of your lost wages
- Travel expenses collected while pursuing treatment for your injuries
- Two-thirds of your average weekly salary, with a cap of $575 per week
With over 30 years of experience in this complex legal field, we’ll guide you step by step to ensure you get the full amount of workers comp you are owed.
Is There Compensation Available for Families of Those Fatally Electrocuted at Work?
Though no amount of money can replace your loved one, pursuing workers’ comp death benefits can set you on the path toward financial security. In Florida, benefits are paid to a surviving spouse, children, or other dependents. The amount should be enough to cover reasonable funeral and burial expenses and a sum to compensate for the loss of income.
How Can a Florida Workers Comp Electrocution Attorney Help?
Navigating the workers’ compensation system is often challenging. An experienced Florida work injury lawyer can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to move forward.
Here is how our legal counsel can support you:
Your attorney will begin by thoroughly evaluating your case to ensure that your injury is properly documented and clearly linked to your workplace duties. They will assist in gathering medical records, incident reports, and witness statements to build a compelling claim.
If your employer or insurance carrier disputes the injury, undervalues your benefits, or delays necessary medical treatment, your attorney will advocate on your behalf, ensuring your rights under Florida law are fully protected.
We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery. From negotiating with insurers to representing you at hearings or appeals, our workers’ comp lawyers are your dedicated advocates every step of the way.
At Berlin Law Firm, we can also identify potential third parties in your case (e.g., a worker sustains a job-related injury due to the negligence of a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer or utility company) and recommend a personal injury lawyer if you have grounds. In these cases, a workers’ compensation attorney is invaluable in negotiating with the insurance carrier for the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Us?
Berlin Law Firm was designed with the intent of listening to your concerns and questions – we are eager to help you get the attention and help you deserve. As a result, we are among the most esteemed workers’ compensation lawyers in Florida and have offices in both Sarasota and Tampa.
We work on a case-by-case basis. We personally and meticulously review each case file and keep our clients informed at every step of the process. We have represented clients in hundreds of claims against Florida’s largest workers’ compensation insurers and are well-versed in the tactics they often use to reduce or deny legitimate claims.
When insurers attempt to undervalue or delay benefits, we act decisively. With our extensive experience and unwavering commitment to protecting injured workers, we work diligently to ensure that the claims process operates in your best interest and that your rights under Florida law are fully enforced.
Contact Us at Berlin Law Firm for a Free Workers’ Comp Consultation
If you sustained injuries in the workplace due to electrocution, chances are you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, insurance companies use different strategies or methods to deny your claim or minimize the benefits you are entitled to receive.
At Berlin Law Firm, we are familiar with all these tactics and know how to fight back. If you’ve been injured on the job, we want to hear from you. Our team is attentive to your needs, experienced and proactive. Call our team today to learn about your options for free; there is no obligation to hire us. We also work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
