New Jersey Electrocution Accidents

Electrocution or exposure to an electrical current is a major risk for all individuals working at construction sites including laborers, electricians and power installers. High electrical currents are required to operate construction machinery and to provide construction site lighting.   Statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reveal that over 400 construction site fatalities are the result of electrocutions each year. If a loved one has suffered serious injury to died due to electrocution on a construction site, it is important you call a New Jersey construction accident lawyer today to discuss filing an injury claim.

Dangers Leading to Electrocutions

Some of the most dangerous conditions that can result in electrocutions at construction sites include the following acts of negligence:

• Improperly grounded live wires
• Malfunctioning electrical equipment or tools
• Inadequately marked or lit construction zones
• Unintentional contact with overhead power lines
• Lack of ground fault protection
• Damaged receptacles and connectors
• Contact between metal ladders and overhead power lines
• Damaged wires in extension cords and switches

Construction site managers and supervisors are required to follow federal standards developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.) Failure to follow OSHA construction site standards can result in third party liability when a construction site electrocution takes place.

Injuries Resulting From Electrocutions

When an individual is involved in a construction accident caused by electrocution, the resulting injuries can range from mild tingling sensations to serious bodily injury. The severity of an construction accident electrocution injury depends on a variety of factors including the voltage of the electrical current, the amount of time an individual is exposed to the electrical current, the amount of moisture in the environment or on the individual’s body (which can serve as a conductor of electricity), the condition of the injured person’s heart and the path the electrical current takes through the body.

The most typical electrocution injuries are burns caused by the heat generated by the flow of the electrical current throughout the body.  Electrocutions cause electric arcs and explosions which result in high temperatures.  Arc flashes can result in extremely high temperatures, even as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  Overheated electrical equipment may also cause thermal contact burns.

Electrocutions also can result in other devastating physical injuries such as:

• Electrical shock
• Damage to external skin
• Paralyzing muscle contractions
• Internal organ damage
• Cardiac arrest or other heart problems
• Traumatic brain injuries

Construction Site Liability

When negligence or failure to comply with OSHA maintenance regulations results in an electrocution at a construction site, the injured construction worker may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.  Individuals injured in construction accidents may be entitled to compensation from potentially liable parties including construction site owners, equipment designers and manufacturers, leasing companies, equipment operators and maintenance companies.  In addition to these third party liability claims, workers may be entitled to compensation under state Workers’ Compensation statutes.

Construction workers electrocuted on a construction site should consult an experienced personal injury attorney who has extensive knowledge of construction accident litigation. Seasoned construction accident lawyers  have the resources to determine who should be held liable for the construction accident and will be dedicated to holding all of the potential parties liable by pursuing a third party liability lawsuit.

Contacting Legal Representation

At Grungo Law, our experienced lawyers help injured construction workers recover the costs of past and future medical treatment, rehabilitation and therapy expenses, lost wages and damages for pain and suffering.