Electrical Accidents At NY / NJ Construction Sites

You can easily forget to give electricity the respect it deserves. We use electric power all of the time in our daily lives. But electricity is a real safety threat, particularly in the harsh setting of a construction site. Electrical accidents are the second most deadly type of construction accident, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Shocks and burns from electricity cause thousands of workplace injuries and hundreds of deaths each year.

If you suffered an electrical accident at the jobsite, the New York / New Jersey construction injury lawyers at the Ginarte firm want to talk to you. Call 1-888-GINARTE now. You can also fill out our online contact form. We have more than 150 years of combined experience with construction injury lawsuits, including electrical injuries. Find out how the Ginarte law firm can help you get the money you need for your claim. Call today for a free consultation. We collect fees only if you win your case.

Don’t wait to call. Time is critical in NY / NJ construction accident cases. Don’t let delay waive your right to recovery.

Sources Of Electrical Accidents

High-voltage power lines are one of the deadliest threats at any worksite. Property owners, contractors and other responsible parties have a duty to identify power lines and take steps to prevent contact with them. This includes buried cables and overhead lines. Fatal electrocution can result if someone touches a high-voltage power line. Particular caution must also be used when metal objects are near power lines. This includes things like ladders, scaffolds, paint rollers, cranes, backhoes and dump truck beds.

Another source of electrical accidents includes power cords and extension cords. Construction work is hard on cords. Wear and tear can result in breaks, exposed wires and short circuits. All of these can lead to serious electrical injuries. Only heavy-duty extension cords are right for the job at worksites. Cords must be used in the right way and they must be grounded. Responsible parties must frequently inspect power cords to make sure they are safe.

Power tools present another risk of electrical accidents at New York and New Jersey construction sites. Tools must be inspected and properly maintained. Workers must be trained on how to use tools right. The proper power cord must be used with electrical tools. Ground plugs should never be cut off or bypassed.

Lightning also causes serious electrical injuries at construction sites.

Types Of Electrical Injuries

Electric shock and severe burns are the most common electrical injuries at NY / NJ construction sites. Sadly, these injuries often result in death. The BLS reports that roughly 100 construction workers die each year from electrical injuries. That’s about a third of all electricity-related deaths among all workers. Another 3,000 or so workers suffer nonfatal electrical injuries during a normal year. Between 2003 and 2010, 2,610 construction workers suffered electric shock and 3,440 had burns, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). Burns from electricity are some of the worst injuries anyone can suffer, with serious entry and exit wounds, according to OSHA.

Electricity can seriously injure internal organs. As it courses through the body, electricity can also lead to internal bleeding, tissue damage and nerve or muscle damage. Some of these internal injuries are not immediately apparent. That’s why it’s important to get checked any time you have been shocked by electricity.

Electric shock can also lead to other injuries. For example, a shocked worker could fall off of a ladder and suffer a spine or head injury. Even low-voltage electric shocks can cause heart problems. The heart can get out of rhythm, sometimes leading to death.

NY / NJ Construction Workers At Risk Of Electrical Accidents

Everyone at a construction site in New Jersey or New York is a potential victim of an electrical accident. That’s because electricity is used so widely in building. Lightning is also an ever-present danger for anyone who works outside.

According to the ESFI, electricians have by far the greatest risk of suffering an electrical accident. About 300 electricians died from electrical injuries between 2003 and 2010. Other construction workers who are at risk of electrical injuries include:

• General laborers and helpers;
• Roofers;
• Painters;
• Carpenters;
• Framers;
• Heavy equipment operators;
• Roofers;
• Demoltion workers;
• HVAC installers; and
• Elevator specialists.

Costs From Electrical Injuries & Electrocutions

The Electric Power Research Institute has calculated that electrical injuries cost workers and employers about $15.75 million per case in direct and indirect costs. Severe burns and internal injuries from electrical shocks can require thousands of dollars in medical treatment. They can also cause workers to lose months or even years of wages. Those who are disabled by their injuries may never be able to work again. If an electrical injury takes someone’s life, the family left behind might have no way of supporting themselves. Because there are so many high costs related to electrical injuries, it’s crucial that you get legal advice. The Ginarte law firm is one of the biggest firms handling construction injuries in the NY / NJ metro area. Our experienced lawyers can help you and your family get all of the cash you are entitled to.

About New York Electrical Accident Lawsuits

If you have suffered an electrical injury, New York state law could allow you to recover compensation. NY labor laws and the NY Industrial Code require property owners, developers, contractors and others to provide a safe workplace. They can be held liable for your injuries if they failed to follow electrical safety rules. Responsible parties must make sure that electrical hazards are not present at New York jobsites. If you got hurt because of an electrical problem, it is likely that some rule was broken. Although you can likely get workers’ comp too, a New York construction lawsuit could provide you with more money to cover your losses. Call the Ginarte law firm now for a free consult. Our experienced NY electrical injury attorneys can tell you whether you might have a valid claim.

Suing For Construction Accidents In NJ

You could recover money in addition to workers’ comp benefits if your electrical injury took place in New Jersey. Even though New Jersey’s labor laws are not as strong as New York’s, the Ginarte law firm knows how to prepare a successful claim under NJ law. The key is proving that someone did something wrong and that caused your accident. OSHA has numerous safety rules about electricity in the workplace. Usually there is at least one OSHA violation involved in an NJ electrical injury. Our attorneys work with experts to find out what led to your accident. We can use that information to pursue a claim against a contractor, vendor, property owner or other responsible party.

Hurt In An Electrical Accident? You Need The Ginarte Law Firm

We can help you and your family get the money you deserve after an electrical accident. It’s time to talk to the NY / NJ construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte firm. Call 1-888-GINARTE now. Or you can fill out our online contact form. Call today for a free consultation. Put our years of experience to work for you.

Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd, LLP, has offices in Newark, New York City, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton and Perth Amboy.