Over $228,000 Work Injury Result for Carpenter Injured by Electrical Lines
Recovery for a Carpenter Injured on a Construction Project
In this case, our client was working on a construction project and installing siding on a building. While performing his job duties, he inadvertently struck electrical lines and suffered serious injuries. His injuries included a perilunate wrist dislocation, a radius fracture, and multiple cuts and lacerations.
A lawsuit was filed alleging construction site negligence, and a claim was also filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission for injuries that occurred during his employment. Between the workers’ compensation award and the negligence settlement, Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC recovered more than $228,000 for this injured worker.
Electrical Dangers on Construction Sites
Electrical hazards can exist in many workplaces, but they may be especially dangerous on construction sites where workers may be near exposed wiring, power lines, transformers, temporary electrical systems, tools, and unfinished structures. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health explains that electrical injuries can include electrocution, electric shock, burns or arc blast injuries, and falls from height.
Construction workers may face increased risk because their tasks often require them to work near changing site conditions. A carpenter, siding installer, laborer, electrician, roofer, or other tradesperson may be exposed to hazards created by overhead lines, hidden wiring, unsafe tools, poor site coordination, or failure to de-energize electrical systems before work begins.
When an electrical injury happens during the course of employment, the case may involve a workers’ compensation claim. If another contractor, property owner, general contractor, equipment provider, or other third party contributed to the unsafe condition, the case may also involve a separate construction accident claim.
Common Injuries from Electrical Accidents
Electrical accidents can cause injuries in several different ways. A person may suffer direct electrical injury, burns, trauma from being thrown or falling, or additional injuries from striking nearby objects. MedlinePlus explains that electrical injuries may be external or internal and can involve damage to organs, bones, muscles, nerves, abnormal heart rhythms, or sudden cardiac arrest.
Common injuries after an electrical accident may include:
- Burn injuries: Electrical contact or arc blast may cause serious skin burns and deeper tissue damage.
- Fractures and dislocations: A worker may fall, be thrown, or suffer forceful muscle contractions that lead to broken bones or joint injuries.
- Wrist, arm, and hand injuries: Workers using tools or working near energized materials may suffer fractures, tendon injuries, nerve damage, or dislocations.
- Cardiac complications: Electrical current may affect the heart and cause dangerous rhythm problems or cardiac arrest.
- Nerve, muscle, and internal injuries: Some electrical injuries may not be obvious from the outside but can still cause serious internal damage.
- Cuts and lacerations: A worker may be cut by tools, construction materials, or surrounding objects during the accident.
What to Do After an Electrical Shock at Work
An electrical shock or electrical contact event should be treated seriously. Mayo Clinic advises calling 911 or the local emergency number when serious symptoms are present and warns not to touch an injured person who is still in contact with electrical current.
Important emergency steps may include:
- Call 911 or ask someone nearby to call emergency services immediately.
- Do not touch the injured worker if they may still be in contact with electricity.
- Turn off the source of electricity if it can be done safely.
- If the power cannot be shut off, use only a dry, nonconductive object such as wood, plastic, or cardboard to move the source away.
- Stay away from high-voltage wires until the power has been turned off by qualified personnel.
- Do not move the injured person unless there is an immediate danger.
- Seek medical evaluation even if the injury does not appear severe, because electrical injuries may involve internal damage.
Legal Help After an Electrical Work Injury
Electrical injury cases can involve workers’ compensation benefits, medical treatment, permanent injury, third-party negligence, construction safety rules, expert analysis, and disputes over responsibility. Because more than one claim may exist, it is important to review the worksite facts carefully before accepting a final settlement.
Since 1990, Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC has represented injured workers and construction accident victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois. If you or someone you love suffered an electrical injury at work, call 312-243-9922 or contact us for a free case evaluation.
