Electrocution Accidents

ELECTROCUTION ACCIDENTS

LAWYERS HELPING VICTIMS OF ELECTROCUTION ACCIDENTS AND ELECTRICAL INJURY IN NYC

Electrical injuries are common in workplaces and construction sites. Anyone who has experience working with electricity supplies, such as high-voltage transformers and wires, knows the potential for danger. When property owners and general contractors overlook safety concerns and regulations, workers can be electrocuted. Electrocution can often lead to severe burn injuries, internal organ damage, neurological injuries, and other permanent injuries, or in some extreme cases even death.

Some of the most dangerous conditions that can result in electrocutions at construction sites include the following acts of negligence:

• Improperly grounded live wires.
• Malfunctioning electrical equipment or tools.
• Inadequately marked or lit construction zones.
• Unintentional contact with overhead power lines.
• Lack of ground fault protection.
• Damaged receptacles and connectors.
• Contact between metal ladders and overhead power lines.
• Damaged wires in extension cords and switches.

Construction site managers and supervisors are required to follow federal standards developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.) Failure to follow OSHA construction site standards can result in third party liability when a construction site electrocution takes place.

Injuries Resulting from Electrocutions

Most cases of construction site electrocution can be considered “electric shocks.” When a worker makes contact with a source of electrical energy, and this energy flows through part of their body, they’ve been “shocked.” While some workers will present no outward symptoms after an electric shock, burns are the most common sign of electrocution. Electrocution forces our muscles to contract violently; sometimes this contraction is so strong that bones break under the pressure. Some shocks are so violent that workers are thrown through the air, suffering serious blunt force trauma injuries.

Electrocutions can also result in other devastating physical injuries such as:

• Brain injuries
• Burns
• Cardiac arrest
• Electrical shock
• Internal organ damage
• Nerve damage
• Paralyzing muscle contractions
• Permanent scarring
• Respiratory problems
• Wrongful death

Medical care associated with electrocution accidents and electrical injuries is typically extensive and expensive for its victims. The Bronx electrocution attorneys of The Neil Kalra Law Offices, have worked with clients in cases involving electrical fires, contact with power lines, exposed wires, faulty transformers, and other cases involving electrocution.

Don’t suffer the burden of an electrocution accident without speaking to an experienced lawyer who knows what it takes to get the compensation you deserve.  Call a New York City lawyer experienced in handling Electrocution injuries cases.

Preventing Electrocution Tragedies on Construction Sites

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 77 percent of the 325 contract worker electrocutions from 2012-to 2016 happened to those who work in the construction industry.

This is why OSHA places electrocutions in its “Fatal Four Hazards” for construction every year. In one fatal construction accident in July 2018, a 40-year-old worker was electrocuted by a live wire inside a residential building in the Village near Washington Square.

According to New York Labor Code § 23-1.13, all employers have specific obligations and precautions they must take to keep workers safe when working with potential electrical hazards. These provisions ensure safety in and near any construction, excavation, or demolition area. xx

Certain Employer Obligations under Labor Code § 23-1.13

Some of the electric safety provisions that the New York Labor Code includes include the following:

• Before work begins at the construction site, the employer’s duty is to determine the voltage levels.
• The employer must properly investigate and warn of electrical voltages (power circuits, line locations, and other possible hazards) that may pose a danger.
• Employers must prohibit all workers from working in areas where electric power circuits exist; without providing them with proper safety equipment.
• Employers must guard any open switches or circuit interrupting devices if the circuits must be de-energized.
• Employers must notify the electric utility company within five (5) working days prior to beginning any project if its location is within 10 feet of any live overhead power lines.
• If any portable electric power generators are on the construction site, the frames and pole of its electrical output must be grounded.
• If during the investigation, the employer finds wiring with cracked or deteriorating insulation, it must be removed immediately.

Worker Electrical Safety during Daily Construction Work

Some of the common dangers all workers should be alert for (and notify their employer if they see any of them) include the following:

Work on new and existing energized (hot) electrical circuits should not begin until all power is shut off and electrical grounds are attached.

• An effective Lockout/Tag-out system must be in place.
• Frayed, damaged, or worn electrical cords or cables must be promptly replaced.
• All extension cords must have grounding prongs.
• Flexible cords and cables must be protected from damage. Sharp corners and projections should be avoided.
• Use extension cord sets with portable electric tools that are the three-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard service. Approved cords with the following letters on their casings include: S, ST, SO, STO.
• All electrical tools and equipment must be in a safe condition, checked regularly for defects, and removed if a defect is found.
• Bypassing any protective system or device designed to protect employees from contact with electrical energy is prohibited.
• Overhead electrical power lines must be located and identified.
• Make sure that ladders, scaffolds, equipment, or materials never come within 10 feet of electrical power lines.
• All electrical tools must be properly grounded unless they are double insulated.
• Multiple plug adapters are prohibited.
• All workers should be accountable for noticing, reporting, and correcting electrical hazards.

Take a few extra minutes to inspect your equipment, and keep your working area clean and dry to avoid shock and fire hazards.

Whether you or a family member was injured due to a car accident, commercial vehicle accident, or semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to full benefits and compensation. Know your rights and get the answers you deserve. The attorneys at Kalra Law Firm are dedicated to getting car accident victims the compensation they deserve. Call our office now to speak with one of our experienced car accident lawyers to represent you in your case. We offer a free initial consultation and will not charge unless we win your case. Call our New York City and Queens car accident lawyers today if you have any questions about a car accident you were involved in. Call us at (718) 897-2211 www.unionlawyer.com

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About Kalra Law Firm

NYC Construction Injury Lawyers from Kalra Law Firm have recuperated millions of dollars for our clients. The toll of serious injury can be tremendous on you and your loved ones. We have devoted ourselves to fighting for justice and to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. With Law Offices in Queens, Long Island, Corona, and The Bronx We are ready to serve you today.