Florida Buried Powerline Accident Attorney
In Florida, powerlines are sometimes found underground instead of overhead. While this may seem safer as it eliminates the risk of falling powerlines and other overhead powerline accidents, buried powerlines can be dangerous, too. While most buried powerlines are out of sight, out of mind, and therefore outside of the realm of posing a threat to most people, not being able to see buried powerlines is precisely what makes them so dangerous. Here’s what you should know about buried powerline accidents and what to do if you’ve been harmed, and how our Florida buried powerline accident attorney can help.
Why Are Powerlines Buried?
Powerlines are sometimes buried as a way to prevent damage and mitigate the hazards and risks associated with overhead powerlines. When powerlines are buried, they are impervious to high winds, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, fires, and any other threats. Most powerlines are not buried, however, because of the high cost of doing so.
How to Avoid a Buried Powerline Accident
While buried powerlines may pose fewer risks than do overhead powerlines, buried powerline accidents are possible. A buried powerline accident can happen when a construction project that requires digging is undertaken without first identifying and confirming the location of a buried powerline, resulting in a person (often a construction worker) hitting the powerline. It is critical that homeowners, businesses, property owners, and construction companies identify the existence of buried powerlines before embarking on any projects that involve digging, including installing a mailbox, building a deck, digging a pond, pouring concrete, installing a fence, or even just planting a tree.
What Are My Rights if I’m Injured in a Buried Powerline Accident?
If you or a loved one is injured in a buried powerline accident, determining the cause of the accident and liability—or legal responsibility—for the accident is critical. When you call the law office of Halpern, Santos & Pinkert, P.A., our law firm can provide a free consultation where we determine if you have a case. If you do, we will manage the investigation and determine liability for the accident. If the underground powerline wasn’t properly marked or identified by the utility company, the utility company may be to blame. If you are a construction worker who was injured on the job, you may have a claim against the property owner where the accident occurred. Our team will work hard to identify who’s to blame, how much your claim is worth, and how to get you the maximum settlement possible.
Call Halpern, Santos & Pinkert, P.A. Today
While powerlines transmit the electricity that we depend on to power our everyday lives, and while underground powerlines are often safer and more protected from other risks, underground powerlines can be dangerous and working around them can lead to severe or fatal injury. If you or a loved one has suffered an electrical burn or electrocution injury as a result of contact with an underground powerline, our experienced lawyers at the office of Halpern, Santos & Pinkert, P.A. are here for you. Please reach out to us directly for a free consultation and an overview of your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis.
