Electrocution Accidents on Long Island Construction Sites
In addition to falls, getting trapped between two surfaces, and being struck by falling objects, electrocution is one of the “Fatal Four” construction accidents specifically highlighted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Even if exposure to electrical energy does not turn out to be fatal, it can cause severe and often life-altering harm to impacted construction workers.
If you were hurt in an electrocution accident on a Long Island construction site recently, you may be able to hold the negligent parties financially liable for their actions. A seasoned construction accident attorney could discuss your legal options with you and help you effectively pursue compensation for your damages.
How Electrocution Accidents Happen on Construction Sites
While anything from a poorly installed wall outlet to a lightning strike could cause someone to be electrocuted on a construction site, there are a few kinds of electrocution accidents that are particularly common in Long Island. Electrocution often occurs when a construction worker makes direct contact with a live power line, either while making repairs directly to the wires or by inadvertently touching or falling into them while doing something else.
After power line exposure, the next most common type of electrocution accident involves contact with transformers, followed by short outs stemming from machinery and other equipment used on the job site. Regardless of the specific source of an accident, the consequences can often be debilitating.
Even at relatively low voltages, people who have suffered electrocution accidents can experience severe external and internal burns, and more severe shocks may cause permanent brain and/or organ damage. If these kinds of electrocution injuries result from negligent safety procedures or maintenance by a construction company, property owner, or third-party supplier, a local attorney may be able to help an injured victim file suit against them or pursue workers’ compensation.
What to Do After an Electrocution Incident
The first priority for anyone who suffers a serious electrical shock should be seeking professional medical care to ensure no lasting damage has been done. Once a doctor documents the specific injuries that occurred during an electrocution accident, an injured worker could start exploring their options for seeking financial recovery.
These cases can proceed in different ways depending on the work status of the accident victim and the specific party whose negligence allowed for the accident to occur. For example, if a construction worker classified as an employee gets hurt on the job, their employer will most likely be required by law to provide them with coverage through workers’ compensation insurance.
Conversely, if a contract worker is involved in an electrocution accident, or if such an accident stems from a faulty tool or piece of equipment, the best course of action may be to file civil suit against the negligent company, manufacturer, or supplier. A qualified Long Island attorney could work with an individual electrocution accident victim, or their surviving family members if the accident was ultimately fatal, to determine how they should pursue restitution for their injuries and losses.
Consult a Long Island Attorney about Electrocution Accident Recovery
Construction accidents of any kind can result in serious physical and financial harm to workers, but electrocution accidents can be especially deadly. If you or a family member have suffered serious harm through an electrocution accident on a Long Island construction site, the initial steps you take to seek fair compensation could have a dramatic impact on your future.
No matter what kind of negligence led to your particular accident, a knowledgeable construction accident lawyer could help you recover damages. Call today to learn more about the assistance a seasoned attorney could provide.
