If you were electrocuted at work, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer to recover damages from the accident. A Katy workplace electrocution lawyer can tell you more about pursuing compensation.
In Texas, employers do not have to subscribe to the workers’ compensation system. If they are non-subscribers, you may be able to file a lawsuit directly against a negligent employer. Allow a knowledgeable work accident attorney to handle your case from start to finish, and we will work diligently to get the best possible results for our clients.
Common Reasons for Electrocution Accidents
While electrocution can happen at any workplace in any industry, most workplace electrocution accidents occur at construction sites or other areas where structures are being built or renovated, and wiring may be exposed. Some of the most common causes of electrocution at work include:
- Exposed wiring
- Incorrect wiring
- Defective equipment
- Lack of proper safety gear
- Water leaks near electrical wiring
- Failure to train employees about safety
- Failure to warn employees about a dangerous situation
A lawyer in Katy could help determine the cause of an electrocution accident and who is liable for the injuries. Many times, the accident happened because someone was negligent.
Electrocution Injuries
The spot where electricity enters the body is typically marked by an obvious burn, though it is not always obvious what happens inside the body when a person is electrocuted. A strong jolt of electricity could cause injuries like these:
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Bone injuries
- Brain damage
- Muscle damage
- Breathing issues
- Internal organ damage
- Nerve damage, including tingling and numbness
- Irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or cardiac arrest
Although not every instance of electrocution leads to severe, long-lasting injuries, it does have the capability to cause significant pain and suffering. Sometimes, electrocution changes a person’s life forever.
Pursuing Compensation for Workplace Electrocution Injuries
When an injured person reaches out to a workplace electrocution lawyer in Katy, the lawyer could carefully evaluate the accident and build a solid case for negligence. This could be accomplished by gathering important records, finding witness statements, and seeking expert testimonies.
When putting together a claim, the lawyer could determine the amount of damages that the liable party is responsible for, which could include medical expenses for the injuries caused by electrocution, including anticipated future expenses for ongoing care and rehabilitation. The damages also include lost wages due to the accident, as well as future lost wages due to an ongoing inability to work. Some damages may include things that do not normally have a dollar amount, such as pain and suffering, mental distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and permanent disability.
A lawyer is the injured person’s strong ally in court and when negotiating with insurance companies. If the lawsuit is successful, the injured person could be awarded significant compensation.
Because there is a two-year deadline on most personal injury claims, injured people need to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to avoid having their case dismissed.
Consult with a Workplace Electrocution Attorney in Katy
If you have been electrocuted at work because someone was negligent, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. If your employer is a non-subscriber and does not have workers’ compensation, you should contact a Katy workplace electrocution lawyer to get started with a lawsuit.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we support injured people throughout the entire lawsuit process, and we may be able to help you, too. Schedule a free consultation and let us know more about your electrocution accident.