Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Electrocution is a serious construction hazard, but the number of electrical accidents on New York construction sites depends on the reporting period, location, and type of injury. National safety data shows that construction workers face a significant risk of fatal electrical injuries.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a construction site electrical accident, you may have questions about workplace safety, legal responsibility, and financial recovery. At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we can help you learn more about how frequently electrocution accidents occur on New York construction sites.
Our firm represents injured workers and helps them understand their legal options. Founded in 2013, we have grown into a New York injury law firm with over 200 years of combined legal experience. A New York construction accident lawyer from our team can review the circumstances of your accident and explain whether you may have a claim.
What Do Safety Statistics Tell You About Electrocution Risks?
Safety statistics show that electrocution remains one of the leading construction hazards, with national data recording dozens of fatal electrical injuries among construction workers each year.
National data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 66 fatal electrical injuries among construction workers in 2023. The same data showed 870 nonfatal electrical injuries among private-sector construction workers during 2021 and 2022 combined. These figures demonstrate that electrical hazards can cause both fatal and life-changing injuries.
New York also reports construction-related workplace deaths. According to BLS data, 50 construction workers died in New York State in 2024, compared with 60 in 2023. These figures include New York City but cover all causes of construction fatalities, not electrocutions alone.
What Causes Electrical Accidents on Construction Sites in New York?
Electrical accidents on construction sites commonly result from contact with power lines, damaged equipment, wet conditions, inadequate grounding, and unsafe maintenance practices.
Electricians are not the only workers at risk; crane operators, laborers, and workers performing excavation or demolition may also face electrical hazards.
Common causes of construction electrical accidents include:
- Contact between equipment, ladders, or building materials and energized overhead power lines.
- Damaged extension cords, exposed wiring, and defective power tools.
- Wet working conditions involving electrical equipment without proper protection.
- Inadequate grounding or missing required ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection.
- Failure to shut off power and prevent its restoration during maintenance or repairs.
An investigation may examine whether workers received proper safety training, equipment was inspected, circuits were de-energized, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) was provided. At Shulman & Hill, we consider the circumstances of an accident when investigating potential responsibility.
What Injuries Can an Electrical Accident Cause?
An electrical accident can cause burns, nerve damage, heart rhythm disturbances, cardiac arrest, and muscle injuries. An electrical arc, sometimes called an arc flash, can also cause severe burns without direct contact with live electrical parts.
An electric shock may also cause a worker to fall from a ladder or scaffold. These secondary injuries can include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries.
The severity of an electrical injury is not always visible from the skin. Electrical current can damage deeper tissues even when external burns appear limited. Seek prompt medical attention after an electrical shock, particularly if you experience chest pain, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness.
Who May Be Responsible for an Electrical Construction Accident in New York?
Several parties may be responsible for an electrical construction accident, depending on the circumstances and their legal duties. These parties may include a property owner, general contractor, subcontractor, or utility company.
New York Labor Law § 200 addresses workplace safety duties, while Labor Law § 241(6) may allow an injured worker to pursue a claim when a violation of a specific, applicable Industrial Code provision contributed to the injury. Potential violations may involve rules governing electrical equipment and jobsite safety.
A § 241(6) claim requires more than showing that an accident happened. The worker must establish that an applicable Industrial Code provision was violated and that the violation was a proximate cause of the injury. At Shulman & Hill, we can investigate the accident, including safety records, witness accounts, and the parties’ responsibilities.
What Compensation May Be Available After an Electrical Injury?
Compensation after a workplace electrical injury may include workers’ compensation benefits and, when another party is legally responsible, additional damages through a third-party claim. Workers’ compensation can cover medical treatment and partial lost wages, even if you continue working.
Depending on the circumstances, additional damages may include pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and reduced earning capacity. The amount you may recover depends on the evidence, the parties’ liability, and the effects of your injuries.
If an electrical construction accident caused a family member’s death, workers’ compensation death benefits and a wrongful death claim may be available. At Shulman & Hill, we can help you understand which claims may apply and how workers’ compensation benefits may interact with a lawsuit.
What Should You Do After an Electrical Accident at Work?
After an electrical accident at work, your priority should be your safety and medical care. Never touch someone or equipment that may still be energized. Call emergency services and keep away until the electrical danger has been controlled.
Once you are safe, take steps to document the accident and protect your potential claim:
- Report the accident to your employer and keep a copy of the report.
- Tell medical providers about the electrical exposure and any resulting fall.
- Photograph the scene and equipment only when it is safe to do so.
- Keep witness contact details, medical records, and relevant communications.
- Speak with an attorney about preserving surveillance footage and equipment inspection records.
Reporting an accident to your employer is not the same as filing a workers’ compensation claim with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Certain claims, particularly those involving public entities, may also have shorter deadlines. Getting legal advice promptly can help you understand the requirements that apply.
How Can We Help After a New York Construction Electrical Accident?
At Shulman & Hill, we can help after a New York construction electrical accident by investigating the incident, identifying potentially responsible parties, and explaining your legal options. Our firm conducts in-depth, in-house investigations to establish how accidents happened and gather evidence supporting your claim.
Our approach focuses on the quality and strategy of each case rather than handling a high volume of claims. We have recovered over $1 billion for clients across our practice areas, and we work to help injured workers understand their rights.
Get Help After an Electrocution Accident on a New York Construction Site
If you were injured in an electrical accident at a New York construction site, Shulman & Hill can review the circumstances and explain whether you may qualify for workers’ compensation or have a separate third-party claim.
You do not have to determine responsibility or deal with insurance companies alone. We can investigate the accident, review available evidence, and explain the legal paths that may be available.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn more about pursuing compensation for your injuries or the loss of a loved one.