Power Lineman and Falls from a High Elevation
Power lineman utility workers are essential for keeping the electricity that powers our homes and cities running. While this is an important job, it’s also a very dangerous one. Falling from elevated heights is a job hazard that can leave power linemen permanently injured or even result in death.
At The Shelton Law Firm, attorney Michael E. Shelton helps recover damages for injuries involving power lineman and falls from a high elevation in Houston, TX, and surrounding areas. If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall while working on power lines, contact The Shelton Law Firm to learn more about your legal options.
Power Linemen Face Many Hazards
Working on power lines is a high risk job. Power linemen are responsible for maintaining and repairing power lines. Often this is done in inclement weather, at high elevations, and with live electricity.
The stakes are extremely high for power linemen in Houston, making it of utmost importance that they are well-trained and well-protected with the proper gear. Without proper precautions, power linemen are at an increased risk of fall accidents which can lead to permanent injuries or death.
Causes of Power Lineman Falls
Falling while working on power lines is a risk that power linemen must take precautions to avoid. However, fall accidents do happen and when they do they may be caused by factors such as:
- Electrical injuries: Electrical injuries are a serious threat to power linemen. Power linemen often have to repair damaged power lines, which can result in electrocution. In some circumstances electrocution will cause a power lineman to fall.
- Lack of proper safety gear: It’s important that power linemen are provided proper safety gear by the utility company they work for. If safety gear is not provided or the gear that is provided is damaged or faulty, it can result in a catastrophic fall.
- Poor weather conditions: It’s common for power line workers to work in poor weather conditions. Bad weather like heavy rain and winds can lead to problems with power lines. Bad weather is challenging to work in and especially dangerous for power linemen.
Common Injuries from High Elevation Falls
Power lines are often 30 feet tall or higher with some reaching over 120 feet high. Falling from such heights can lead to death. Those who survive such a fall are often left with permanent, life changing injuries, such as:
- Cuts and bruises
- Rib fractures
- Leg and foot fractures
- Other bone fractures
- Lung contusion
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries if electricity was involved
- Spinal cord injury
- Partial or full paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Seeking Compensation after a Fall Accident
Power linemen who survive a fall on the job will likely face a lengthy recovery and may never be the same again. Because of the extensive repercussions, it’s important to seek all possible avenues for compensation.
Consulting a personal injury attorney is an important step in recovering the maximum settlement for injured parties. A personal injury attorney can help gather documentation and evidence to support a strong case for fall accident victims.
Contact The Shelton Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a power lineman fall accident, we welcome you to call our Houston law firm at (713) 807-0700 to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help your case.
