About Electrical Accidents
An electric shock, burn, or fatal electrocution accident can happen to anyone, but the vast majority of these accidents occur on the job. Employees most at risk for electrical accidents include workers in the construction trades, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Professionals who repair high-voltage electric power lines are at greatest risk for the most serious accidents.
Touching a live transformer or other electrical component directly (or indirectly with a conducting object) can send a traumatic electric shock through the body. The extent of physical damage depends on the degree of contact and the voltage involved. Voltage over 50 AC or 120 DC is potentially hazardous, and exposure to 500 volts or more is likely to cause very serious injury or death.
At Smith & Boltaxe, we aggressively pursue full compensation for injured clients.
Burns are the most common type of injury resulting from electric shock, but electrocution can cause many other types of bodily harm. A severe shock may cause cardiac arrest, and can result in internal injuries to muscles, the heart, and the brain. In addition, the sudden force can throw the victim from a ladder or platform, or hurl a worker against an object, resulting in broken bones, head injuries, or back injuries.
Liability and Compensation
On-the-job electrical accidents occur for many reasons. Inadequate training is a common cause, but there is always danger when employees work with electricity in confined spaces. Faulty wiring or malfunctioning equipment is sometimes to blame, in which case there may be third-party liability.
Workers’ compensation benefits can provide full medical coverage, as well as partial wage payments and occupational training if you can no longer perform your job duties. If you are permanently disabled, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits, either in payments or a lump sum. Families who have lost a covered employee may receive a death benefit.
Bernhard Baltaxe is a certified workers’ compensation specialist who has represented injured workers for more than 15 years. Byron Smith is also a certified workers' compensation specialist. He has spent more than 20 years helping injured workers collect due restitution. Our firm is ready to provide assistance immediately after your accident and handle all aspects of your claim. We aggressively pursue full compensation for injured clients, and can refer you to a trusted personal injury attorney if third-party liability is a factor.
To avoid a claim denial or minimal settlement, it is wise to consult a lawyer. Our law firm exclusively represents clients in workers' compensation cases.
Contact Us
Our attorneys can meet electrical accident victims at any San Francisco-area location, including your home or hospital room. We represent private and government employees. Please contact us to speak to a lawyer or schedule a free consultation.
