Brooklyn Electrocution Accident Lawyer

Few accidents can cause such catastrophic, lifelong injuries as an electric shock. No matter where and how it happens, you’re likely looking at a long recovery after an electrocution accident. Between your medical expenses and lost wages, you could see a considerable drop in your income, to say nothing of your physical pain and emotional distress.

The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., proudly represents workers and others injured in electrocution accidents. Brooklyn electrocution accident attorney David Perecman and his team have recovered more than half a billion dollars in compensation for injured people, providing our clients with the resources to rebuild their lives after these tragic incidents. We will handle all the legal details in your case, allowing you to focus on healing without the stress of an intense legal battle.

Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Brooklyn electrocution accident attorney.

Main Types of Electrical Injuries and Accidents

Here are the most common electrical injuries and the accidents that often lead to these injuries.

Types of Electrocution Accident Injuries

• Electrical shocks – This occurs when the body becomes part of an electrical circuit, allowing current to flow through. Symptoms can range from mild tingling to severe burns or even cardiac arrest, depending on the voltage and duration of exposure.
• Arc flashes – An arc flash happens when a strong electric current passes through the air between conductors. It can cause severe burns, blindness, and other injuries due to the intense heat and light generated.
• Electrical burns and thermal contact burns – Electrical burns occur when electric current travels through the body, causing internal damage. Thermal contact burns happen when the skin touches overheated electrical equipment or wiring. Both types can result in significant tissue damage or death and require immediate medical attention.
• Secondary injuries – These injuries are indirect results of electrical accidents, such as falls or collisions caused by the shock. They can include broken bones, head injuries, and other trauma unrelated to the electric shock itself.

Electrocution injuries can be fatal in the most severe cases. In those tragic circumstances, surviving family members may be entitled to see benefits through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Types of Accidents Causing Electrocution Injuries

• Construction site accidents – Construction sites are high-risk areas for electrical accidents due to the presence of power tools, temporary wiring, unfinished electrical systems, contact with overhead power lines, and other hazards. Both construction workers and passers-by can sustain electric shock injuries if contractors and property owners don’t take proper precautions.
• Workplace accidents – Many electrical injuries happen at work, especially in industries like construction or manufacturing that involve high-voltage equipment or exposed wiring. These accidents can result from inadequate safety measures, faulty equipment, or lack of proper training. Lightning injuries are another risk for individuals who work outside.
• Home electrical accidents – Accidents in the home can occur due to faulty electrical appliances, damaged wiring, or DIY repairs gone wrong. These incidents often lead to shocks or burns.
• Public space accidents – Electrical accidents in public spaces, such as parks or streets, are often the result of exposed wiring or malfunctioning public utilities.

Common Hazards That Lead to Electrocution

Employers, contractors, and product manufacturers have a legal obligation to watch for hazards that could cause an electrical short and injure someone. Failing to account for these hazards may be grounds for a personal injury claim or workers’ compensation claim.

Some common hazards that can cause electrical shock injuries include:

• Faulty wiring – Faulty wiring can occur due to age, improper installation, or damage, leading to short circuits, for example.
• Overloaded circuits – Circuits overloaded with too many appliances or devices can overheat, increasing the risk of electric shocks or fires.
• Defective equipment – Electrical tools, appliances, or machinery that are defective or poorly maintained can malfunction, causing electrical shock.
• Water contact – Accidents often occur in areas where people use electrical equipment or extension cords near water or in wet conditions, leading to a heightened risk of electrocution.
• Lack of grounding – Electrical systems and electrical outlets that are not adequately grounded are susceptible to power surges and electrical shocks.
• Exposed electrical parts – Open panels, exposed wires, or unguarded electrical equipment are examples of significant hazards.
• Insufficient safety measures – In workplaces, especially in industries dealing with high voltage, the lack of safety protocols, protective gear, or training can lead to severe accidents.

Common Occupations That Experience Electrical Accidents in Brooklyn

While electrical accidents can happen to anyone, workers in certain fields are more likely to sustain electric shock injuries because of the nature of their jobs. Some occupations in which workers are more likely to experience devastating injuries include:

• Electricians
• Construction workers
• Maintenance workers
• Factory workers
• Utility workers
• HVAC technicians
• Plumbers
• Roofers
• Welders
• Landscapers
• Elevator installers and repair techs
• Painters
• Carpenters
• Commercial cleaners
• Theater stage crews

Labor Laws to Protect Workers in Brooklyn Electrocution Accidents

New York has strict labor laws to protect workers from electrical hazards and accidents. The most important of these is Section 200 of the state’s Labor Law. The law says employers must “provide reasonable and adequate protection” for all workers on construction work sites. The requirement includes providing protections for electrical hazards workers might encounter. An employee injured in an electrical accident might have a case against their employer if the employer failed to take proper precautions.

New York’s Labor Law Sections 240 and 241(6) provide injured victims with additional legal options to recover compensation after an injury. These laws allow an injured worker to hold the property owner and general construction contractors vicariously liable for the actions of others on the construction site that caused their injuries.

Unlike workers’ compensation claims, which typically cover only medical bills and partial replacement of lost wages, a successful case under New York Labor Laws can also provide financial compensation for emotional pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages.

Workers’ Compensation Claims for Victims of Workplace Electrocution

New York law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer offers workers’ compensation insurance, you can claim these benefits after an electrical accident:

• Cost of reasonable and necessary medical treatment
• Wage-replacement benefits, if your injury prevents you from working, of two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a limit set by the state
• Vocational rehabilitation and training
• Permanent disability benefits

Statute of Limitations for Brooklyn Electrocution Cases

There are two critical deadlines to remember concerning electrocution accident claims in New York. Injured workers should report any accidents to their employer in writing within 30 days, or they risk losing their workers’ comp benefits.

The other vital deadline is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Under New York law, you have three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit if you want to preserve your right to compensation. Talking to our lawyers immediately after an accident can help you avoid issues with the filing deadlines for a workers’ comp or personal injury claim.

Talk to a Brooklyn Electrical Injury Attorney Now

The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., understands the catastrophic toll electrical accidents can take on your life, and we want to help you recover the money you need. Call our law firm today or reach out online for a free case evaluation with an electrocution accident lawyer in Brooklyn.