An Electrical Accident Attorney Can Help You Hold At-Fault Parties Responsible
Accidents involving electricity can have serious, often fatal, consequences. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classifies electrocution as one of the construction industry’s “Fatal Four” as it is one of the leading causes of death for construction workers. Electrical shocks, fires, and explosions can all be consequences of an electrical accident.
Michael E. Shelton is a electrical accident attorney based in Houston, TX. He can help you hold a negligent employer responsible for failing to follow OSHA safety guidelines and exposing you and other employees to serious danger. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrical accident, contact our office online or call (877) 771-6139 toll-free today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Causes of Electrical Accidents
On average, 143 construction workers are killed every year due to contact with electricity. While an electric shock or electrocution can happen to anyone, electrical accidents are much more common on construction sites. According to OSHA, contact with power lines and lack of ground-fault protection are two of the more common causes of electrical injury for construction workers. Both overhead and buried power lines carry extremely high voltage. In addition, normal use of electrical equipment at construction sites can cause short-circuits and exposed wires that can cause serious injuries when they are not properly grounded.
Consequences of an Electrical Accident
The body is a highly effective conductor of electrical energy, meaning an electric shock can cause serious damage. The extent of injury depends on the degree of contact and the voltage involved. Any voltage over 50 AC or 120 DC is potentially hazardous. Exposure to 500 volts or more can be fatal.
The most common type of injury resulting from an electric shock is burns. However, a severe shock can also cause cardiac arrest and internal injuries to the muscles, heart, or brain. In some cases, the force of the shock can cause workers to fall from a ladder or platform, leading to broken bones, head or brain injuries, or back injuries.
Understanding Liability
Depending on the location and cause of your accident, different parties may be responsible for your injuries. In cases where improper transmission of electricity is to blame for injury, the utility corporation or property owner may be liable for the effects of an accident. The same is true when injury results from improper construction, installation, or maintenance of power lines. For example, if the electrical company failed to properly insulate an electrical line, you may be able to sue them and recover compensation.
As a union card carrier, attorney Michael Shelton has a unique perspective on construction accidents and can represent you as you seek compensation for an electrical accident.
In contrast, a contractor, supervisor, or company may be held responsible for injuries caused by a lack of proper safety guidelines. For example, if your supervisor did not provide sufficient training for employees working near high-voltage electrical lines, he or she may be responsible for your injury.
Determining liability in a construction accident is difficult. It requires an advanced understanding of negligence theory as well as the workings of a construction site. As a union card carrier, attorney Michael E. Shelton has a unique perspective on construction accidents and can represent you as you seek compensation for an electrical accident.
Protect Your Best Interests
After an electrical accident, you should seek medical attention and then ask for the advice of a qualified personal injury lawyer. While most electrical accidents are covered by workers’ compensation, you may not receive sufficient coverage to rebuild after a serious electrical injury. Attorney Michael E. Shelton and our team can work to protect your best interests. For more information about how we can help in this difficult time, contact our office online or call (877) 771-6139 toll-free today.
