Construction Workers and Electrocution
The Miami Herald recently reported that a Hialeah construction worker was electrocuted while on the job on a recent Thursday afternoon. Local Fire Rescue authorities who went to scene after receiving a call regarding an electrocution incident have asserted that the worker, who was in his 40s, came in contact with a power line while working. Tragically, the worker did not survive the electrocution and died at the scene.
How Often Are Construction Workers Electrocuted?
Electrocution is one of the most common causes of serious injury and death on construction sites. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 77 percent of the over 300 contract worker electrocutions that occurred between 2012 and 2016 involved workers employed in the construction industry. Additionally, almost 60 percent of the electrocutions were caused by direct contact with electricity. Further, the U.S. Department of Labor has consistently electrocution as one of the leading causes of death for construction workers and in 2017 alone, 71 of these workers died after being electrocuted. Therefore, it is clear that construction workers account for a large portion of electrical injuries in the US each year.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Result From a Workplace Electrocution?
Serious injuries can be sustained on a construction site and the extent of these injuries typically depends on how long contact was made with a live electrical current and the strength of that current. The injuries that result can include:
- Burns
- Nerve Damage
- Muscle Damage
- Broken Bones
- Death
These types of injuries can take months or even years to heal and often require expensive medical treatments. So how can injured construction workers afford the care that they need?
Understanding Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance that is required by most employers according to the law here in Florida. These benefits are intended to cover expenses resulting from a workplace injury such as:
- Emergency medical attention
- Doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Lost wages
However, in many circumstances, it takes the help of the right attorney to obtain the workers’ compensation benefits that are deserved. Even in what may seem like a fairly straightforward case, the employer’s workers’ compensation attorney and insurance company may make this process very difficult and even deny what seems like an obvious claim. Therefore, it is important to obtain legal help as soon as possible.
Have You or a Loved One Been Electrocuted at Work?
If you or someone you love has been electrocuted at work, we are here for you. Sadly, many of these workplace incidents are fatal and while many do not think of workers’ compensation in the case of the death of a worker, as opposed to an injury, filing a workers’ compensation claim is an option for you if you have tragically lost your loved one. You will need the help of a competent legal team that can advocate for you and ensure you recover the compensation you are entitled to while you focus on healing. As the Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates, we have significant experience helping people like you and we offer the legal help you need in this kind of situation. Begin by contacting us today to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/hialeah/article235758707.html
https://www.payerandassociates.com/potential-hazards-of-cell-phones-in-the-workplace/
