Electrocution and Burns at Construction Sites Shouldn't Be Taken Lightly
At Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C., the people of Brooklyn can find strong advocates victims of serious injuries. Our lawyers always fight diligently for our clients, and we will not be intimidated in our quest for justice for those in need.
This diligence is of special importance in construction accident and injury lawsuits, as construction companies and associated third-parties need to be held accountable whether they injure their workers or pedestrians. When it comes to electrical injuries and electrocution, it's especially important that the injured have strong legal advocates on their side.
The Shocking Truth: The Dangers Are Real
Electrocution and electrical burns can result in serious injuries that can have long-term effects on wellness and mobility. The National Institution of Health estimates that thousands are electrocuted while on the job, and up to a thousand people die from these electrical injuries. OSHA estimates that electrocution is one of the leading causes of worker fatalities.
Potential Causes of Electrical Injuries
Some potential causes of electrical injuries include:
- Improper wiring or installation of electric cords and extensions
- Lack of ground-fault protection
- Outdated construction equipment
- Poorly maintained construction equipment
- Making contact with live wires
These kids of incidents may affect construction workers as well as bystanders or passersby.
Electrical Burns Do Lots of Damage
Electrical burns can cause serious damage to the skin, resulting in serious disfigurement in some cases that require reconstructive surgery and grafts to restore.
In addition to affecting the appearance of a burn victim, however, there is also serious damage to various soft tissues. The muscles and nerves may be serious affected by the electrical current during the injury. This can lead to permanent damage to the muscle and nerve tissue, including injuries that not even surgery or physical therapy can fully address.
It's also possible for the electrocution to affect heart health, sending some injury victims into cardiac arrest or affecting pacemakers.
The long-term effects of an electrical burn can be severe, requiring years of medical attention to address.
Prevention and Safety Are Key
In order to avoid these kinds of serious injuries and accidents, proper safety is key. At construction sites, it's of the utmost importance that workers be made aware of live wires and potential sources of electrocution. Electrical wiring must be installed properly by qualified electricians, and any construction equipment must be in proper working order and serviced properly.
To protect passersby, construction companies and their crews need to keep electrical wires or equipment well away from pedestrians and any high-traffic areas. Covering wires or keeping them away from the public is also imperative to ensure optimal safety.
How Our Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you or someone you love has been harmed in an electrical accident of some kind, you can rely on our attorneys to help you. We will seek compensation from the negligent party responsible for your injuries, which will help cover the cost of medical care, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, and lost earning potential. We will also work to recover additional damages in instances of gross negligence in order to prevent the construction company from committing similar harmful or potentially harmful actions in the future.
Speak with Our Team of Attorneys About Your Case
For more information about your legal rights following a serious injury or accident, it's of the utmost importance that you contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The team at Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C. will fight diligently for you and your loved ones.
