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Electrocution Construction Accident in New York

6.22.2022 Brian O'Connor Category: Construction Accidents

New York Construction Injury Lawyer for Electrocution Accidents

There are many different ways that accidents could cause serious or life-threatening personal injuries – particularly in the construction industry.  In fact, construction is one of the most dangerous professions and accounts for roughly 20% of all worker fatalities in the United States.  Although there are many different ways that a worker could suffer serious personal injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlights the four most common ways that it calls the “fatal four” or the “focus four.”  These account for over 65% of all construction worker deaths and include falls, struck by an object, electrocutions, and caught in-betweens/crushing injuries.  Our construction accident lawyer in Brooklyn has previously discussed scaffolding falls and struck by an object, and now want to explain the third most common cause which is an electrocution construction accident.

Here at O’Connor Injury Law, we believe that understanding the risks and dangerous can help prevent catastrophic or fatal accidents.  But if you or a loved one were already seriously injured, or if a loved one was wrongfully killed, in any type of serious personal injury accident, call our experienced personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn to learn more about your rights to compensation under New York law.  This is particularly true of construction accidents, where far too many construction workers are seriously injured or killed in preventable accidents.  This includes a preventable electrocution construction accident that could result in significant pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, loss of consortium, and wrongful death.  To schedule a FREE consultation to learn more about your rights, call our construction accident lawyer in Brooklyn.

Electrocution Accidents in the United States and New York 

From a very young age we are taught about the dangerous of electricity – warning babies and toddlers to never go near an outlet or play with wires.  Unfortunately, far too many constructor workers are forced to work near electric hazards by contractors, companies, owners, bosses, managers, and other individuals who direct their work.  This unnecessary exposure can result in serious personal injuries that could have been prevented.

Personal Injury Lawyer in BrooklynGenerally, electrocutions result in over 1,000 deaths each year in the United States, with most being due to high-voltage injuries (common for workers).  The same statistics reveal there are at least 30,000 other shock injuries that are non-fatal and reported each year, some causing permanent injuries and roughly 5% causing burn injuries.

The same statistics above also note that, for all workers, electrocutions are the fourth-most common cause of death.  However, according to OSHA, electrocutions at construction sites and job locations result in 7% of all worker fatalities in the United States.

Common Causes of an Electrocution Construction Accident in New York

There are many common causes of an electrocution construction accident in New York, with most causes being preventable with proper safety precaution.  Although some risks cannot be avoided, such as erratic lightning storms, following proper vigilance and exercising reasonable care can even limit or prevent those types of accidents too.

Some of the most common causes of electrocution accidents that may result in liability for a worker or his or her family include the following:

  • Improper job training
  • Using unsafe power tool connections
  • Failing to keep wires out of water/failing to manage drainage
  • Forcing workers to continue to work in hard rain or possible electrical storms
  • Out of order construction – doing electrical work before main framing work is done, which could cause a worker to cut into a live and wired electrical line
  • Making wires “live” before major work is complete
  • Not having wires and electrical work properly inspected
  • Using improper extension cords or power strips
  • Using old or damage power tools or connections
  • Failing to mark out ground or already buried wires
  • Failing to clear space and compromise enough space near overhead wires
  • Not flagging out wires before doing work
  • Improper supervision or training
  • Unorthodox use of wiring
  • Not checking for clear space before cutting where other workers are working (i.e., cutting into a ceiling when workers are on a floor above with live wires for tools, and
  • Many other common causes of an electrocution construction accident in New York.

Injured in an Electrocution Construction Accident in New York?  Call Our Construction Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn for Help

The Labor Law creates certain obligations for contractors, companies, certain owners, and other individuals who may have caused construction workers to suffer unnecessary injuries – including electrocutions.  If you or a loved one were seriously injured in any type of electrocution construction accident or another type of “fatal four” construction accident in New York, call an experienced construction accident lawyer in Brooklyn like ours at O’Connor Injury Law.

Our dedicated personal injury law firm offers FREE consultations to victims and their families to learn more about their rights to compensation.  To hear more, call (718) 948-3500 or send us an email through our “Contact Us” box available here. 

FAQs

What should I do after suffering an electrocution injury on a New York construction site?
After an electrocution accident on a construction site, you should seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to your employer, and document everything including photos, witness information, and any unsafe conditions that contributed to the accident. Preserving this evidence early is critical to protecting your legal rights under New York law. Contact an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is handled correctly from the start.
Who can be held liable for an electrocution accident on a New York construction site?
In New York, multiple parties may be held liable for a construction site electrocution, including the general contractor, property owner, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or any party responsible for maintaining safe working conditions under OSHA regulations and New York Labor Law. New York’s Labor Law Sections 200, 240, and 241(6) provide strong protections for injured construction workers and may impose liability on owners and contractors regardless of fault. An experienced New York construction accident lawyer can identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum compensation on your behalf.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a construction site electrocution in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including construction site electrocution accidents, is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, if your claim involves a government entity or municipal property, the deadline can be significantly shorter, sometimes requiring a Notice of Claim to be filed within just 90 days. It is important to consult with a New York construction accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines that could bar your right to compensation.
What types of compensation can I recover after being electrocuted on a construction site in New York?
If you were injured in a construction site electrocution in New York, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and permanent disability or disfigurement. In cases involving a wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue damages for loss of companionship and financial support. An experienced New York construction injury attorney at O’Connor Injury Law can evaluate your case and help you pursue the full range of compensation you deserve.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit if I was already receiving workers’ compensation for my construction electrocution injury in New York?
Yes, in New York you may be able to pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate personal injury lawsuit if a third party, such as a general contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, was responsible for your electrocution accident. Workers’ compensation alone often does not fully cover all of your losses, particularly pain and suffering, which is why a third-party lawsuit can be critically important to your financial recovery. Speaking with a knowledgeable New York construction accident lawyer can help you understand all of your legal options and maximize your total recovery.

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