Philadelphia Electrical Accident Lawyer
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Electrical accidents can lead to serious consequences for anyone exposed to these dangers. These incidents usually occur in work environments where exposure to electricity is common.
Whether working on construction sites, during power installations or while performing repairs, some workers face these hazards on a daily basis. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to an electrical accident, you may be able to recover compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation.
At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we advocate for workers and their families across the Tri-State area. Let us evaluate your case for free. A Philadelphia electrical accident lawyer can clarify what legal options are available to you. Email or call us for assistance now.
Meet Our Attorneys
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535Jeffrey Laffey Jeffrey LaffeyAreas of Practice
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536Paul Bucci Paul BucciAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
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539Sam Reich Sam ReichAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
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541Stewart Ryan Stewart Ryan -
6024Griffin Remick Griffin RemickAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
What Leads to Electrocutions and Other Similar Incidents?
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, contact with electricity is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the United States.
Electrical shock accidents can occur when someone accidentally comes in contact with an electrical source. While some of these incidents can happen in your home, the majority of them take place at worksites.
Electricians, construction workers, and even warehouse employees must be cautious when working around energized circuits. To protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has safety standards that must be met on the job site. If safety standards have been ignored or there is faulty equipment, it could lead to electrocution. Here are some common causes of electrical shock:
Contact With Live Wires or Energized Equipment
Workers accidentally coming into contact with live electrical components can suffer severe injuries or fatalities. A lack of proper insulation, inadequate warning signs, or failure to de-energize equipment before maintenance or repair work is often the cause of these incidents.
Improper Use of Extension Cords
Overloading or using damaged extension cords can lead to electrical accidents. Frayed wires, loose connections, or using indoor extension cords outdoors are safety hazards on the job site.
Inadequate Grounding
Improper grounding of electrical equipment can cause accidents. If equipment is not grounded properly, it can result in electrical leakage, increasing the risk of shocks.
Lack of Proper Lockout/Tagout Procedures
All employees must follow lockout/tagout procedures to keep a safe working environment. Without these measures in place, there could be an unexpected energization of equipment.
Insufficient Training
If workers come into contact with electricity, they must be trained in the proper procedures. A lack of knowledge about appropriate electrical safety procedures, such as identifying electrical hazards, using personal protective equipment, and following safe work practices, increases the likelihood of electrocution incidents.
Injuries Resulting From Electric Shocks
While some electrocutions or shocks can leave behind minor injuries, some of them can be so severe that fatalities are a possibility.
Common impairments associated with electricity-involved accidents include:
- Electricity burns
- Electrical shock-induced injuries
- Electrocution-related injuries
While the potential injuries described above are certainly a concern, an initial electrical shock isn’t always what leads to traumatic injuries. Instead, workers may lose their balance, leading to falls and subsequent injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries.
Additionally, secondary injuries may occur indirectly from electrical accidents, such as fires or explosions resulting from electrical malfunctions, causing a worker harm.
Many of these injuries can be prevented when a worksite is maintained and adheres to the proper electricity safety precautions. But sometimes, negligence plays a role, leading to serious injuries or death of workers in these industries.
If you suspect someone else’s negligence is to blame for what happened to you, reach out to a Philadelphia electrical accident lawyer for a free case consultation.
Workers’ Compensation and Exceptions in Electrical Shock Accidents
Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, employees who suffer injuries due to electrical shock accidents cannot sue their employer directly for causing the accident. These benefits are considered adequate compensation in injury cases. However, there are exceptions to this general rule, and you will want to be aware of your legal options.
Workers’ compensation provides benefits when you’re injured on the job to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. In these cases, you can receive benefits without proving that anyone was at fault or negligent in your accident.
While workers’ compensation bars direct lawsuits against employers, there’s an important exception known as the “intentional wrong” exception. If your employer’s conduct was intentionally reckless or malicious, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them.
In most personal injury cases, there needs to be proof of neglect through actions or inactions. With these cases, there is one step further. Not only must your legal team prove that the employer’s or third party’s actions were negligent, but they must be deliberate as well. Some examples may include:
- An employer knowingly exposes workers to unsafe electrical conditions.
- Ignoring safety regulations or deliberately disabling safety features.
In these cases, you may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Trying to determine whether you have the right to seek additional measures often requires the assistance of a skilled Philadelphia electrical accident attorney. If you would like to learn more about your options, contact Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan today.
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Who Is Liable for Electrocutions Occurring in Philadelphia?
When it comes to electrical accidents, determining liability is vital for seeking compensation in Pennsylvania. While workers may prevent victims from pursuing a legal claim against their employers, except in extreme cases, they may be able to file a lawsuit against a responsible third party. They may include:
- Contractors & subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers, distributors, & retailers
- Equipment rental companies
- Service & maintenance companies
- Public utility companies
- Engineers
Why You Need to Consult with an Attorney at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan
Many workers mistakenly believe workers’ compensation is their only option after an electrical accident. However, this isn’t always the case. If you suspect intentional wrongdoing by your employer, consult an experienced attorney at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan.
When we take your case, we will thoroughly assess the details of your accident and injuries. We can determine your workers’ compensation benefits eligibility with a free evaluation and identify any potential third-party claims.
We understand that the world of workers’ compensation and personal injury law can be complex. Our team ensures your claim is filed accurately and submitted within the required timeframe. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or disability, we’ll advocate for your rights under workers’ compensation laws.
While these benefits cover most workplace injuries, there are situations where third parties may share liability. We’ll examine whether other entities, such as equipment manufacturers, contractors, or property owners, played a role in the incident. If negligence or wrongful actions by these third parties contributed to your injuries, we can explore potential legal claims against them.
After an electrocution or other electricity-involved injury incident, you might not know where to turn or help. Contact a Philadelphia electrical accident lawyer in our office for a free consultation today.
The most common types of electrocution or electrical shock accidents happen as a result of:
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“My name’s Paul Bucci and I’ve dedicated my career to representing injured workers. When you’re injured on the job, you suffer a loss of income and financial hardship that few people will ever understand. Our goal here at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan is to put you back on your feet.”
Paul Bucci, Founding Partner