Chicago Electrocution Attorneys

Of the many risks that are present on a construction site, exposed electrical wires are often the easiest danger to ignore or miss altogether. However, significant damage to your body can occur from both minor and severe electrical shocks. Approximately 1000 deaths are caused by electrocution each year and more individuals suffer from injuries. The risk of electrocution in your day-to-day life is low, but the majority of adult electrocutions occur in the workplace, such as on a construction site. Even if you take the proper precautions when working on or around electrical outlets and wires, you cannot always prevent accidents which result in electrocution.

If you have recently been electrocuted, you are likely facing medical bills, a lengthy recovery, and time away from work. This all adds up to significant financial stress, due to your injury. The electrocution attorneys at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC do not believe you should suffer further because of your injury and are ready to help you receive the compensation you need to recover.

Risks of Electrocution

Electrocution can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injuries. The human body conducts electricity well, which makes it easy for electrocution to happen quickly with severe consequences. Electrical injuries are typically split into four distinct categories: true electrical injuries, flash injuries, flame injuries, and lighting injuries, but any type of electrocution may inflict serious damage to your body, such as:

• Skin burns
• Broken bones
• Problems with swallowing, vision, or hearing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Breathing problems or lung failure
• Seizures
• Heart attack
• Cardiac arrest
• Muscle, nerve, or tissue damage
• Death

Even if external damage to your skin appears minimal after electrocution, there may still be severe internal damage to muscles and organs. If you have been electrocuted, it is essential that you see a doctor to assess the extent of your injuries and provide appropriate medical care.

Contact a Chicago Electrocution Attorney

Electrocution is an unfortunate reality for many construction workers due to the nature of the work. If you have been electrocuted, however, you do not have to suffer alone. The skilled electrocution attorneys at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC are experienced in construction accidents and they are ready to fight for your rights. Whether you need help navigating the complex task of receiving insurance benefits or you need help proving employer negligence on your job site, our lawyers are here to support you along the way. To discuss the specifics of your case, contact us at 312-346-8620 today. Click here to see the construction accidents we fight for.

Electrocution FAQs

What is the difference in electrocution and electric shock?

These two terms are often used interchangeably but they actually differ in meaning. The difference lies in the outcome of the action. On construction sites, wires and electrical infrastructure are often left open and exposed while the project is being finished. This subjects construction workers to the possibility of coming in contact with exposed wires, sending an electric current through their body. When this happens and a worker is left injured but alive, they have experienced “electric shock.” Alternatively, if a worker is killed by the exposure to the electric current, they were “electrocuted.” Shock results in injury, electrocution results in death.

If I am shocked on the job, is my employer liable?

Construction sites are often home to electrical hazards such as live wires, poor wiring, and malfunctioning equipment. It is the responsibility of construction companies and property owners to ensure the safety of workers to the best of their ability. This means providing adequate safety training and supervision, supplying employees with proper protection, making sure tools and equipment are properly maintained, and marking hazardous areas. Failing to do these things is negligent on the part of an employer. If you have been hurt by electric shock due to employer negligence, you may have adequate reason to file a personal injury claim. A qualified personal injury lawyer can review your case and advise you on the steps you need to take in moving forward with a claim.

If my loved one was electrocuted on the job, am I able to file a claim?

Sometimes electrical hazards on the job can result in mild or severe injury for a victim, but in worst-case scenarios, strong currents exposed to the body for a long period of time result in death. As with electric shock, employers and property owners are responsible for making sure that workers are as safe as possible when working on a construction site. It is when they neglect this responsibility that injury and death occur. If your loved one was killed by electrocution while working for a negligent employer, you may be able to file a claim for wrongful death. With a wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, suffering, loss of income, and more. It may be hard or painful to pursue legal action in your time of mourning, but an experienced and compassionate personal injury attorney can guide and represent you throughout the entire legal process, helping to take the burden off your shoulders.