Graziano & Flynn, P.C. HomeElectrical Burns and Electrocutions
Construction is a dangerous business. In fact, of the almost 4,000 people who died in private industry jobs in 2012, about 20 percent were in construction-related jobs. Three out of every five fatalities involve electrocution resulting in death or severe electrical burns. Construction companies, and often the owners of the property where the work is being done, have a responsibility to keep workers safe by installing and maintaining safety equipment on job sites. This is true even when the “job site” may be out on the highway somewhere — as in the case of power lines or utility poles.
If you or someone you know has been electrocuted resulting in severe burns or worse, contact experienced South Jersey electrocution accident lawyers who can fight for your rights and get you compensated for your losses. Ron Graziano, partner at Graziano & Flynn, P.C. has won millions of settlement dollars on behalf of injured construction workers, like you, in Deptford and throughout New Jersey.
Electrocution Statistics Are ShockingIf you are trained to perform electrical work, you likely take your skills for granted. You are good at what you do. However, even the best electricians and others who work with electricity have a right to work in safe environments where their employers install safety mechanisms. Unfortunately, the U.S. Bureau of Labor says that, too often, employers and property owners fail to take action to keep their workers safe. The result is that electrocution is the fifth-leading cause of occupational death in the U.S., most among electricians and electrical helpers.
Contact with a utility pole is, by far, the most common source of electrocution resulting in severe burns or death. Street light installation or repair and tree trimming also top the list of electrocution safety concerns. Additionally, workers are often hurt when common items are not maintained to safety standards, adequate training is not given, or proper operating instructions are not posted around the worksite. These items include:
- Generators
- Extension cords
- Power lines
- Ground fault interrupters are not in place
- Double insulated tools aren’t being provided
- Faulty electrical equipment, such as frayed cords or broken tools that expose metal are not replaced or repaired
If you are working with electricity or equipment located near live electrical wires, you have to protect yourself by using appropriate safety equipment. Your employer must, by law, provide this equipment for your use and maintain it in good working order. If you are being directed to work without this equipment or are asked to work in a situation that puts you in harm’s way of electricity, you could be severely injured. If that happens, your employer may be held responsible.
The hiring company must regularly:
- Physically view all electrical machinery each and every day before work begins
- Remove defective equipment from the work site
- Ground all power supplies and electrical tools and equipment
- Clean up any spills that could cause problems when workers are using portable power tools
If you or someone you know has been hurt due to faulty wiring, unsafe working conditions or some other work-related situation that caused electrical burns or electrocution, don’t suffer in silence. You likely have medical bills, lost pay from time off work and considerable pain and suffering. If your friend or loved one suffered fatal electrocution, the situation is even more dire.
Ron Graziano, managing partner at Graziano & Flynn, P.C., will fight tirelessly on your behalf to hold your employer responsible for your injuries. He will take them to court, if necessary, to win the compensation you deserve. Mr. Graziano was a certified trial attorney for over 25 years, so he knows what it takes to win these kinds of cases. Call us today or send us an email and we will respond promptly.
