Electrocution accidents are a significant concern in many workplaces, particularly in high-risk industries like construction and maintenance. In Los Angeles, such incidents are not uncommon and can have devastating consequences for workers and their families.
Understanding the prevalence of these injuries and knowing how to file a claim for experiencing catastrophic electrical shock on the job can make a crucial difference in the aftermath.
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Understanding Electrical Accidents on the Job
Electrocution injuries at work occur when a worker comes into contact with an electrical current, leading to various degrees of harm, from minor burns to fatal outcomes. These injuries can result from several causes, including faulty wiring, inadequate safety measures, or lack of proper equipment.
Common Causes of Electrical Accidents in the Workplace
- Faulty Wiring: Poorly maintained or improperly installed wiring can easily lead to electrocution.
- Inadequate Safety Measures: Lack of protective gear or failure to follow safety protocols increases the risk.
- Improper Equipment Use: Using tools and machines that are not insulated or designed for electrical safety can be hazardous.
Injuries from Electrical Shock Accidents
The impact of electrocution accidents on victims can vary widely:
- Electrical Burns: Ranging from minor to severe, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Amputation and Loss of Bodily Function: In some cases, electrocution can cause limb damage or loss of use.
- Cardiac Arrest: Electric shock accidents can disrupt heart rhythms, leading to potentially fatal outcomes.
- Neurological Damage: Long-term effects from this type of injury can include memory loss, nerve damage, brain injury, and motor skill impairment.
- Wrongful Death: In the worst cases, electrical injuries can result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with the loss and financial burdens.
Employer Responsibilities for Electrocution Injuries at Work
Under California law, employers are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment. This includes implementing comprehensive safety measures to prevent electrocution accidents and any serious injuries in the workplace.
- Cal/OSHA Regulations: Employers must adhere to standards set by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), which mandate regular safety training, proper equipment maintenance, and the implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
- Duty of Care: Employers owe their employees a duty of care to minimize exposure to hazards, including electrical risks. Failure to meet these obligations can be grounds for negligence claims.
Workers’ Rights in Los Angeles
Workers in Los Angeles have the right to file a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim if they get seriously injured on the job.
Filing a Claim
- Workers’ Comp: This system is designed to provide financial assistance for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs following a workplace injury.
- Personal Injury Claims: In cases of severe negligence or if a third party is involved, workers may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional damages.
California Workers’ Compensation Laws
Under these laws, employees have the right to:
- Report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.
- Receive medical treatment for work-related injuries.
- Pursue claims for compensation to cover lost wages and medical expenses.
The Importance of Prompt Action in Filing a Compensation Claim for Electrical Injuries
Timely reporting and seeking legal advice are crucial steps after experiencing work injuries. Delays can hinder the investigation process and may impact the compensation you are entitled to receive.
What should you do as an employee who suffered injuries on the job?
- Report the Incident: Notify your employer immediately.
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and document all medical treatments.
- Consult an LA Personal Injury Attorney: Engage a legal expert to guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.
Case Studies on Electrocution Injuries at Work
Example 1: Fallen Power Line Takes 2 Lives
Los Angeles paid $38 million to settle a lawsuit related to the tragic deaths of two individuals who were electrocuted by a fallen power line in their backyard.
The city’s Department of Water and Power’s Board of Commissioners decided to settle the suit concerning the deaths of Ferdinand Tejada, 53, and his 20-year-old daughter, Janina Tejada, in January 2021.
The pair lost their lives after coming into contact with a high-voltage electrical wire that had fallen into the backyard of their home in the Panorama City neighborhood. The lawsuit, filed by two family members, alleged that the city had failed to adequately maintain its power equipment, leading to the fatal incident.
Example 2: Half of Family Dies Due to Faulty Electrical Poles
Southern California Edison has agreed to a $24.5 million settlement with the state over two 2011 incidents. These incidents resulted in the deaths of three family members in San Bernardino and left 440,168 customers without power.
As part of the settlement, SCE admitted to violating the Public Utilities Code, which led to the electrocution of the three family members by a downed power line in January 2011.
SCE acknowledged that its electric poles and guy wires — used to stabilize poles — were not up to required safety standards, contributing to widespread power outages in the San Gabriel Valley later that year. The company gave the two surviving family members the settlement money.
Example 3: Maintenance Worker Shocked
A 52-year-old UC California maintenance worker received a 480-volt shock of electricity when he put his right hand into a cored conduit that had an exposed wire on the UC Berkeley Zellerbach Building roof.
The defendant company was aware that a conduit had been cut but concluded the line had been abandoned. The worker received limited medical treatment for electrical shock injury for a few weeks. He later developed post-concussive symptoms including cognitive impairment and emotional problems which required therapy and psychological treatment.
The case eventually settled for $325,000 cash and full workers’ compensation benefits including all medical benefits.
Need an Injury Lawyer for Victims of Catastrophic Electrocution Accidents? Call RTM Law Firm for a Free Consultation.
If you or someone you know has suffered electrocution injuries at work, you must act quickly.
Share this post to spread awareness and contact the Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at RTM Law for a free case review.
Your safety and well-being are paramount, and waiting will only hurt your case. Let us help you handle the legal complexities and secure the compensation you and your family deserve.
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