Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont represent electrocution injury victims in California. If you or a loved one has suffered an electrocution injury while at work, the Fremont Workers’ Compensation Lawyers can help you recover the financial and medical damages you are owed. Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Electrocution Injury Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Electrocution injuries are extremely harmful as they will typically lead to other injuries and health complications. Damage to the heart, skin, and internal organs are common injuries suffered by electrocution victims. At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont, we can ensure you receive the full amount of workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to. If necessary, we will file a lawsuit against workers’ compensation if you encounter any of the following issues with your workers’ compensation claim:
- Your Claim is Denied: if your worker’s compensation claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and represent you through negotiations.
- Your Claim is Inadequate: if you believe your workers’ compensation benefits do not cover all your medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, an attorney can help you seek the full benefits you deserve.
- You Have a Permanent Disability Claim: in cases of permanent disability, disputes over the level of impairment or the amount of compensation can arise, requiring legal representation.
Common Electrocution Injuries in Workers’ Compensation Claims in Fremont
Electrocution happens when high-voltage electricity comes in direct contact with a person, causing an electric current to pass through their body. An electric current within the body can cause severe tissue damage, or interfere with the electrical signals that control the heart. In worse cases, a person’s muscles will tense up and make it difficult to let go of the electrical source, resulting in horrific bodily harm. Some of the most common electrocution injuries suffered at work include:
- Severe burns and shocks
- Internal organ damage or failure
- Limb amputation
- Heart failure
- Damage to the nervous system or muscle tissue
- Brain damage
- Paralysis
- Coma
Common Causes of Electrocution in Workers’ Compensation Claims in Fremont
Whenever a worker is handling an exposed wire or works near an electrical source, there is always a risk of electrical injury if proper safety precautions are not adhered to. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide safety training and safety gear to employees working near exposed, electrical currents. Workers should be provided with the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Heavy rubber gloves
- Rubber boots
- Helmets
- Masks
- Flash suits
- Voltage rated tools
- Safety glasses
Even with these proper precautions, electrocution injuries can still occur. Typically, when these accidents happen on a job site, someone acted carelessly or recklessly. The most common causes of workplace electrocutions include:
- Defective or malfunctioning equipment
- Wires left exposed in unnatural places
- Metal objects left in contact with power lines or electrical sources
- Unprotected contact with industrial equipment like welding torches
- Overloaded power supplies and extension chords
- Flooding near live wires, outlets, or other electrical equipment
If you were electrocuted at work for any reason, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In the state of California, even if you were at fault for your injuries, you can still collect workers’ compensation benefits. To better understand your right to compensation it is recommended to consult with an Electrocution Workers’ Compensation Lawyer.
Employer Safety Responsibility Under OSHA Law
According to OSHA, electrocution injuries accounted for 8% of construction worker deaths in 2021 with the majority of electrocution injuries occurring due to exposed wires, wet conditions near electricity, and poorly maintained power lines. These OSHA electrical standards are listed to prevent these accidents from happening at work.
In California, you have the right to request an OSHA inspection without the fear of employer discrimination. Your employer is responsible for providing a safe working environment, meaning they are tasked with adhering to all the regulations that govern the company’s trade. Under OSHA law, your employer is responsible for the following:
- Providing a safe working environment, meaning they are tasked with adhering to all the regulations that govern the company’s work. An example would be a construction site. The owner would have the duty to follow all safety regulations relating to construction.
- Provide daily inspections on equipment and sections of the workplace that are prone to hazardous conditions to make sure they adhere to OSHA standards.
- Provide all employees with safety information. The employer should hang OSHA posters, labels, and other safety signs so that all employees have access to the information.
- Your employer needs to provide training so that employees can handle the daily tasks and are knowledgeable about how to deal with hazardous situations.
FAQ
Q: What benefits am I entitled to through workers’ compensation?
A: Medical care, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits, and death benefits.
Q: Can my employer take part of my check to pay for workers’ compensation?
A: No. Workers’ compensation insurance is part of the cost of doing business in California. An employer cannot ask you to help pay for the insurance premium.
Q: Is there supposed to be a poster about workers’ compensation posted in my workplace?
A: Yes. Your employer must post the notice to employees poster. This poster will provide you with information on workers’ compensation coverage and where to get medical care for injuries. Failure to post this notice is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to $7,000 per violation.
Q: What if I am injured on the job and my employer is uninsured?
A: If you have a work-related injury or illness and your employer is uninsured, then your employer is responsible for paying all bills related to your injury or illness. Failing to have workers’ compensation coverage is a misdemeanor, punishable by either a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to a year.
Contact an Electrocution Injuries Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Fremont
If you or a loved one has been mistreated, neglected, or inadequately compensated by worker’s compensation after suffering an electrocution injury, the attorneys at Maison Law will pursue the full extent of the damages you are owed. For legal counsel concerning your workers’ compensation claim, contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront charges for our legal assistance and you won’t pay a cent unless we win your case.