One of the most devastating, industrial workers, and mechanical workers come from electric shocks or electrocution. In fact, electrocution is the second leading cause of death to construction workers, just behind falls. About 1,000 people die every year from electrocution, with around 700 of these deaths attributed to occupational electrocution. Workers using cranes, cherry pickers, scaffolding, and metal ladders may come into contact with overhead power lines and suffer an electric shock large enough to stop their hearts. The type of current, voltage, and duration of the electricity entering one’s body will determine the severity of the injuries a person sustains from electric shock. Rail and train yards are full of high voltage wires and electric sources and are often the source of the most catastrophic electrocution accidents.
Injuries Caused By Electrical Sources on a Construction Site Can Be Severe
Injuries caused by contact with electrical sources can range from severe burns that require surgery and skin grafting, heart damage, blindness, brain damage, amputation, nerve damage, to permanent disability, and death. Many times, secondary injuries are sustained when someone is thrown from the source of electricity and can result in broken bones, internal organ injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and death. If you or someone you love was seriously injured by electric shock, our Philadelphia catastrophic injury lawyers may be able to help you determine who was at fault for your injuries.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that the majority of electrocution accidents that occur at the workplace occur due to unsafe equipment or installation, unsafe work practices, lack of safety training, or an unsafe environment, and are largely preventable. Safety measures that can prevent electrocution on the job include the use of insulation and guarding, keeping electric tools properly maintained, and using protective equipment like rubber insulated gloves, face shields, sleeves, hoods, and rubber matting. If employers fail to adequately train their employees or fail to provide basic safety equipment and devices to protect their employees from electric shock and electrocution, they may be held responsible for employees’ injuries.
While the majority of severe electric shock accidents occur at the workplace, defective household products, and improper wiring can also cause electric shock and electrocution in the household or other places of public accommodation. Wires that are poorly insulated or exposed and outlets without grounding can be especially hazardous to children, who can be seriously injured by lower voltages than adults. Thousands of household products like hair dryers, power tools, kitchen appliances, and other electronics have been recalled for posing serious electric shock and electrocution hazards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported at least 70 electrocution fatalities occur annually from consumer products.
Experienced Electrocution Accident Attorneys in Philadelphia
If a defective or unsafe product seriously injured or electrocuted you or a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our highly skilled Philadelphia product liability lawyers have been awarded millions on behalf of their catastrophically injured clients.
