Staten Island Electrocution Accident Lawyer

Everyone should know basic electrical safety measures to avoid serious accidents and injuries. Even the most skilled electricians make mistakes that result in fatalities or long-term disabilities.

If you or a loved one have been harmed in an electrocution accident, consider contacting the expert Staten Island lawyers at Shulman & Hill. Depending on the circumstances of your incident, you could qualify to receive compensation for your losses.

Staten Island Electrocution Accident Resources

Despite our ever-increasing knowledge of the risks associated with electricity, the number of workplace electrical injuries is on the rise. Here are some key statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ yearly Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries:

• In 2019, there were 166 fatal electrical injuries—an increase of 3.75% from the previous year.
• The total number of electrical injuries in 2019 was 1,900, as opposed to 1,560 in 2018. That’s an increase of 22%.
• 52% of workplace electrical fatalities happened while “constructing, repairing, or cleaning.”
• 27% of fatalities were the result of “using or operating tools and machinery.”
• 30% of occupational electric fatalities happened at a private residence.

How Do Electrocution Accidents Happen in the Workplace?

The number of workplace injuries and fatalities caused by electrocution is surprising given the safety measures that are put in place to avoid such accidents.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides detailed guides that companies are required to follow to keep their workers safe while working with electricity. Workers who are considered to be high-risk for injuries from electrical hazards (such as utility workers) should complete OSHA-regulated electrical safety courses upon hiring. According to OSHA, most electrical accidents happen because of unsafe equipment, improper installation, unsafe work environments, or improper work practices.

Companies should adhere to the following steps to mitigate electrocution risks:

• Using electrical insulators. Common insulators like glass, rubber, and plastic can be used to stop electric currents from flowing freely.
• Guarding. This is when electric equipment is enclosed or placed in a low-access area. Guarded locations should also display appropriate signage to warn people of the presence of electrical equipment.
• Grounding. This refers to a system where a low-resistance path connected to the earth is created to prevent a buildup of voltage that could cause an accident. While grounding helps to reduce the risk from electric shock, it does not guarantee full protection.
• Circuit protection devices. These devices reduce or stop the flow of electrical current automatically when there is a ground fault, overload, or a short circuit in the wiring.
• Safer work practices. De-energizing any electrical equipment prior to inspection or repairs, performing regular maintenance on electric tools, and using the appropriate protective gear when working with electricity can help create a safer work environment.

What to Do When You Are Electrocuted at Work

If you are suffering from an electrical injury, it is important to seek medical attention right away. You may be tempted to delay treatment if you do not feel pain after the accident, but electrical injuries such as shocks can cause damage that is not obvious at first. Internal injuries like tingling, muscle weakness, and cataracts are all injuries that might go unnoticed initially.

It is important to next report any electrical incident that happens at work to your supervisor right away. After you report the incident, be sure to get a copy of the documentation that was filled out, including witness statements if applicable.

After you receive treatment and report the accident and your injuries to your employer, consider calling a Staten Island electrocution accident lawyer. Shulman & Hill can discuss your options and review your case for free.

How a Staten Island Electrocution Accident Attorney Can Help

When you are harmed in an electrocution accident at work, you can typically seek compensation for your losses. An attorney can assist you in the following key ways:

Conducting an Investigation

An attorney can thoroughly investigate your case to determine if any third parties contributed to your accident. If so, they may be held financially responsible for your injuries.

Reviewing Your Losses

All cases are different, and without the proper training, one may struggle to determine the types of compensation they may be entitled to. Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages, while a personal injury lawsuit may be able to recover money for your pain and suffering and additional losses.

Paperwork and Administrative Tasks

An electrocution accident attorney can help you complete all necessary paperwork and communication so that you have more time to focus on your health. This includes correspondence with the insurance companies, other attorneys, experts, and any other relevant parties. We can handle all the major and minor steps of the legal process.

Proving Your Injury Was Work-Related

Workers’ compensation insurers carefully scrutinize each claim they review. While the measures they take to ensure a claim is valid help weed out those who may seek benefits when they do not need it or are not qualified, it can also create obstacles for the individuals who qualify for workers’ compensation.

Here are some of the factors that can lead to a denied claim:

• You did not provide sufficient medical documentation to prove the cause of your injury
• No one witnessed your injury
• Your injury was not reported promptly
• Your paperwork was not filed correctly, or it was incomplete

Why Choose Shulman & Hill?

Our expert attorneys at Shulman & Hill are familiar with the nuanced workers’ compensation requirements. Even if your claim is denied, our team may help dispute the denial and help you get the full benefits you may be entitled to.

Years of experience, a proven track record of success, and a personalized caring approach our attorneys have will make you confident you have chosen the right team. If you have been injured in a Staten Island electrocution accident, contact Shulman & Hill today for a free legal consultation.