Construction sites present many risks to employees working long hours. One of the most common hazards – and a leading cause of death – is electrocution. Exposed live wires often run throughout a construction site while numerous activities occur, presenting a danger to workers. Electrocution is a serious injury that can lead to permanent damage or death.
General contractors and property owners in Hialeah need to be held responsible if they fail to provide a safe environment. Prosper Shaked is a Florida attorney who understands insurance and liability law and can help you hold the appropriate parties accountable if you or a loved one has suffered an electrocution injury. To learn more about our services and how we can assist you, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676.
Electrocution and Related Injuries
An electrocution injury occurs when high-voltage electricity comes into contact with a person. The human body can serve as a conductor for electricity, allowing the current to pass through as it damages the tissues and organs. While your skin can provide some protection, any amount of energy over 500 volts can penetrate the skin, leading to devastating injuries. The severity of the injury to internal tissue depends on the length and voltage of the electrical current.
The most common injury sustained due to electrocution is cardiac arrest. In many cases, even a low-voltage shock can damage the heart. When electricity passes through the heart, it can lead to arrhythmias, fibrillation, or damage to the heart muscles. Immediate medical attention is required when a cardiac event happens. A general contractor or property owner who failed to provide proper protection or emergency equipment in case of a cardiac arrest caused by electrocution could be liable for any injuries that result.
Your central nervous system operates by conducting internal electrical currents from your brain throughout your body. Therefore, the nervous system can conduct energy from an electrocution to the brain, leading to brain damage. Moreover, an electrical surge can also damage the nervous system without reaching your brain.
Generally, the part of your body that made direct contact with the source of the electricity will suffer thermal burns; these burns can also occur where the electricity exited your body. While these burns typically affect the skin, they can also penetrate the body, damaging tissue and internal organs.
While a surge of electricity through the body can result in severe injuries, an electrocution incident can also cause additional secondary injuries. For example, an individual who suffers an electrocution injury may lose control of their balance and fall from a substantial height, resulting in broken bones or serious head trauma. Our seasoned Hialeah lawyer is familiar with what standard safety precautions should be taken at a construction site and can determine if anyone is liable for your injuries.
Liability for Electrocution Injuries in Hialeah, FL
Any construction site inherently presents hazards that can harm workers at the location. Failing to follow basic safety procedures will increase the risk of an electrocution injury. For instance, improperly insulated gloves or boots can lead to injury. Ungrounded wires present a danger that can be exacerbated by poorly marked warning signs around the construction area.
Additionally, a poorly lit construction site or the presence of excessive debris obscuring live exposed wires will increase the risk of injury. A general contractor also needs to be aware of the location of overhead and underground power lines to ensure that employees are working a safe distance away and that proper safety precautions are taken. Any property owner or general contractor who fails to adhere to the appropriate safety guidelines may be liable for any injuries that occur. If your injury was the result of an inadequately maintain construction site, contact Hialeah attorney Prosper Shaked right away.
How an Experienced Hialeah Electrocution Injury Attorney can Help
There are several ways a knowledgeable Hialeah attorney can help if you suffered an electrocution injury. Damages for injuries that occurred on a job site could be recovered through a workers’ compensation claim. Prosper Shaked brings a wealth of experience with filing these claims and can make sure you receive appropriate compensation.
If your claim is against the construction site owner or general contractor that employed you, a skilled attorney can determine the direct cause of the injury, along with any contributing factors, to establish liability for the incident. In some instances, a third party may be liable for your injuries. For example, a municipal employee may have improperly installed an existing underground power line that directly caused your injury. We will look at all the facts of your case to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.
Electrocution injuries can still occur at construction sites where every safety protocol is in place. A defective piece of equipment or a poorly manufactured glove can lead to a devastating electrical injury, even in places where every precaution was taken. Our experienced Florida attorney will investigate every possibility and can bring a product liability claim, if necessary.
Hialeah Attorney for Electrocution Injuries Offering Free Consultations
When an electrocution injury occurs, the consequences can be devastating. Long-term medical complications can result in a substantial loss of income or an inability to ever work again. The cost of recuperation could quickly exhaust any financial resources you have, especially if you lack adequate insurance. Additionally, if you have lost someone due to a preventable electrocution injury, the financial and emotional stress can be unimaginable. Experienced Florida attorney Prosper Shaked will treat your case with the care and compassion you deserve. To learn more about our services and how we can assist with your case, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676 and set up your free and private consultation.