Electrical hazards are present in many workplaces, particularly in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. When safety protocols are ignored or equipment is improperly maintained, workers can suffer devastating injuries. If you or a loved one experienced an electrical accident at work, a Pasadena, TX workplace electrocution lawyer could help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your losses.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we understand how serious electrical injuries can be. Our attorneys work with injured workers and their families to investigate what went wrong, determine whether negligence contributed to the incident, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Workplace Electrocution Accidents Occur
Electrocution injuries often occur when employers or contractors fail to maintain safe working environments. Job sites that involve exposed wiring, high-voltage equipment, or nearby power lines require strict safety practices. When those precautions are ignored, the risk of serious injury increases. Common causes of workplace electrocution accidents include:
- Contact with overhead or underground power lines
- Faulty electrical wiring or defective equipment
- Lack of proper grounding or circuit protection
- Inadequate training regarding electrical hazards
- Failure to follow required lockout and tagout procedures
These accidents are frequently preventable. Employers have a responsibility to maintain safe workplaces and provide appropriate safety equipment and training. When they neglect those duties, workers can suffer life-altering injuries.
In addition to burns and nerve damage, electrocution can cause cardiac arrest, internal organ damage, or traumatic falls triggered by electrical shock. When electrical accidents occur, an attorney serving injured workers in Pasadena, TX could investigate the circumstances and determine whether negligence played a role.
Can You File a Lawsuit After a Workplace Electrocution?
State law provides injured workers with several legal options after a workplace accident. Notably, private employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. When an employer chooses not to subscribe to the workers’ compensation system, injured employees may have the right to pursue a negligence lawsuit directly against that employer.
Non-subscriber employers do not receive the same legal protections as those who participate in the workers’ compensation system. If an employer’s negligence contributed to a workplace injury, an employee may pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
In some workplace electrocution cases, liability may extend beyond the employer. Our Pasadena attorneys could review the details of the electrocution incident to identify all potentially liable parties.
Steps To Take After an Electrical Injury at Work
After an electrocution accident, obtaining medical care should always be your first priority. Electrocution injuries are sometimes more severe than they initially appear, and prompt treatment can be critical for preventing long-term complications. Once your health is stabilized, you should take several actions to help protect your potential legal claim:
- Report the incident to a supervisor or employer
- Seek and follow all recommended medical treatment
- Preserve any documentation related to the accident
- Gather names of witnesses who saw what happened
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, injured individuals are allowed two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly after an electrical accident allows your attorney to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Contact a Workplace Electrocution Attorney in Pasadena, TX Today
A serious electrical accident can affect nearly every aspect of your life, from your physical health to your financial stability. When negligence contributes to a workplace electrocution, injured workers should not have to face the consequences alone.
A Pasadena workplace electrocution lawyer from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris could evaluate your situation, explain your legal rights, and pursue compensation on your behalf. Contact our team today to learn how we could help you move forward.
