If you are electrocuted, you may suffer serious or long-term damage. Many California workers, including construction workers, utility workers, and factory workers, are at risk of electrocution on the job. It’s understandable that you may be concerned about your legal options if you’ve been electrocuted at work. Electric shock injuries at the workplace can lead to compensation claims, so read on to learn more about the process.
Why Do Work Electrocution Accidents Happen?
Workplace electrocutions can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Employee misconduct or indifference
- Equipment or materials that have been poorly designed or manufactured.
- improper or careless maintenance
- Wires or power lines that have been improperly installed
When You’ve been electrocuted at work, can you file a legal claim?
In the event that you’ve been electrocuted while at work, the best way to get compensation for your medical bills is to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. Employees in California who are injured on the job or in the course and scope of their employment can receive workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is referred to as “no-fault” compensation because it does not require an injured worker to prove that their employer was negligent in causing their injury. Although workers’ compensation benefits are typically a worker’s only recourse against their employer in the event of a work injury, this is not always the case.
Workers who have been electrocuted at work as a result of the negligence or actions of a third party may be able to file a civil claim for damages. In the event of an electrocution at work, the following examples of third-party liability may apply:
- Claiming damages from a contractor or subcontractor that performed substandard electrical work on a construction site.
- Claiming damages from electricity providers
- An electrocution caused by the owner’s negligent maintenance of the property can lead to a premises liability claim against the owner.
- Design or manufacturing flaws that result in an electrocution can lead to a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
How Much Compensation Do You Qualify For if You’ve Been Electrocuted on the Job?
Workers’ compensation benefits may be available to you if you’ve been electrocuted at work and are unable to return to work.
- A medical procedure that is both reasonable and required
- Compensation for lost wages due to time off from work or to part-time or light-duty status
- In the event of permanent impairment of a bodily function or limb, but with the ability to work in some capacity, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits.
- For as long as you are unable to work, you are eligible for permanent total disability benefits, which continue to pay you a portion of your wages.
Third-party personal injury claims for electrocution-related injuries may also include monetary damages for:
- Health care costs
- Spending on one’s own needs
- Lost income or wages
- Potential earnings squandered
- Suffering and pain
- Quality and enjoyment of life are lowered as a result.
Injured at work by an electrocution? You may be entitled to compensation if you have an experienced attorney on your side.
Contact A California Workers’ Compensation Lawyer To Discuss Your California Workplace Injury Case
An extended absence from the workplace due to an occupational injury can be devastating. You may be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages if you have been injured on the job in California, but it is not always easy to get the compensation you deserve. If you have questions about the Workers’ Compensation claims process, you should consult with an experienced attorney. Do You Have More Questions Call us at (844) 414-1768
