Electrocuted at Work

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.

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 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.

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.

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.