Florida Electrocution Accident Attorney
The risk of electrocution is an ever-present danger on active construction sites. In fact, electrocution is consistently the second or third leading cause of death for construction workers and is one of the “Fatal Four” construction accidents identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This risk can be all but prevented if contractors and site supervisors take the necessary precautions. The Florida construction accident attorneys at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. help construction workers and their families recover compensation for electrocution accidents caused by the negligence and safety failures of those in charge of construction worksites.
Electrocution accidents cause serious injury, death
Our bodies are pretty good conductors of electricity. This means that when coming into contact with an electrical charge, that current will flow through the body as it seeks its way to the ground. An electric shock can disrupt and harm the human body in many ways, causing heart attack, brain damage, lung failure, deep thermal burns, nerve damage or death. Being electrocuted is a painful and extremely frightening experience, and those that survive their physical injuries often have to cope with deep psychological and emotional trauma as well.
Construction workers face innumerable electrical hazards on the job
Electrical wiring may be defectively designed or manufactured, or it may be negligently installed or poorly maintained. Construction workers doing every type of job are exposed to electrocution risks. Some of the most common hazards and electrocution accidents include:
- Hidden or unmarked electrical wires
- Exposed wiring
- Wires left uninsulated or ungrounded
- Electrical equipment operated near flammable gas, vapor, dust or liquids
- Exposed power cords that get cut or pulled out of the socket, or tripped over
- Extension cords are overloaded
- Falls from scaffolds or heights after electric shock
- Lack of safeguards and adequate training to avoid electrocution injuries
- Scaffolds, cranes and cherry pickers are negligently erected or operated so that they come into contact with overhead power lines
- Trenching and excavation equipment and workers come into contact with underground power lines
Construction workers fall victim to electrocution more often than power line installers, utility workers and others whose job it is to work with electrical equipment every day. The reason for this anomaly is that construction workers (other than electricians) are not given the appropriate protective equipment and safety gear when working around electricity, nor are they properly trained and supervised regarding electrical hazards. Site supervisors also fail to put up appropriate warnings or barricades to make the worksite safe from electrical dangers. Developers and contractors are responsible to maintain a safe jobsite for their workers and can be held liable for failing to comply with applicable safety rules and regulations.
Experienced Florida Construction Accident & Electrocution Attorneys
If you or a loved one were injured in a Florida electrocution accident due to unsafe working conditions, contact Halpern Santos & Pinkert in Coral Gables and Miami at 305-445-1111, or statewide at 877-529-6211. We offer a free consultation and never charge a fee unless we win compensation on your behalf. Trust the firm with over 60 years of combined experience helping injured clients. Call the trial lawyers at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. today.
