If you were electrocuted while performing your work duties, you may have an opportunity to seek compensation. Since workers’ comp benefits only cover some of the damages, and many employers in Texas do not offer this compensation in the first place, you may need to take additional legal action.
An experienced Beaumont workplace electrocution lawyer can explain your options and take over all relevant legal steps. It is up to you to choose a qualified work accident attorney and work with them to receive fair compensation.
Causes of Electrical Accidents at Work
While electrocution is an accident, there is often someone’s negligent actions behind it. Common causes of such incidents in the workplace are:
- Faulty Wiring: Outdated electrical wiring can lead to short circuits and unexpected shocks. Property owners and employers must maintain wiring systems to meet safety codes.
- Lack of Grounding: When electrical equipment is not properly grounded, the risk of electrical shock increases. Employers are responsible for ensuring that all tools are safely grounded.
- Failure to De-Energize Equipment: Workers are often injured when performing maintenance on machinery that remains energized.
- Wet or Damp Work Areas: If workers are required to use electrical tools in wet areas without proper safety gear, electrocution becomes more likely.
- Defective Equipment: Tools with broken cords or missing safety features can pose a serious risk.
Parties responsible for such electrocution can include employers, equipment manufacturers, and even other utility companies. A skilled Beaumont workplace electrocution attorney can help evaluate the incident, identify liable parties, and file relevant claims against them.
Claims to File
In Texas, employers are not obligated to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. However, even if the employer has such insurance, other claims are possible.
Workers’ Compensation
If the employer has workers’ compensation insurance, the injured employee has the right to file a workers’ comp claim. This prevents them from filing a personal injury claim against the employer, but leaves other options.
Personal Injury Claim
If the employer does not have workers’ comp insurance, the employee has the right to file a personal injury claim against them. They would have to prove the at-fault party’s negligence to be eligible for damages recovery. Some examples of such negligence are failing to fix faulty wiring or ignoring OSHA guidelines. If a third party was responsible for the electrical injury, the worker can file a personal injury claim against them. Some examples of such parties are:
- Subcontractors who caused unsafe conditions
- Property owners who failed to address electrical hazards
- Utility companies responsible for faulty work
Unlike workers’ comp, a personal injury claim can cover full lost wages and non-economic damages. A lawyer can help you evaluate the fair compensation amount for your electrocution accident.
Product Liability Claim
If defective equipment caused the electrocution, the manufacturer or distributor could be responsible. For example, if safety gear turned out to be faulty and did not prevent electrocution, the employee can sue the manufacturer.
In a product liability claim, it is not necessary to prove negligence. The injured party has to demonstrate that the product was unsafe when used correctly. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care, and more.
Consult a Skilled Workplace Electrocution Attorney in Beaumont Today
If you were electrocuted at work and sustained serious burn injuries, you have the right to seek compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you can file several types of claims.
A skilled Beaumont workplace electrocution lawyer from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP can help you navigate the case and suggest the best course of action. Call us for a free consultation today.
