Working with electricity can be hazardous. Professionals working directly with electricity daily, such as engineers, electricians, and construction workers, can be at a high risk of suffering electric shock injuries. However, even those who work with electricity indirectly, such as office workers and sales professionals, can be exposed to electrical hazards at work.
Electrical shocks can cause devastating burns and other life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one is affected, our electric shock injury attorneys could help. You could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and additional compensation. Morgan & Morgan fights tirelessly for the rights of injured workers. Contact us today to find out in a free consultation if we could help you recover workers’ compensation and other damages.
Workers Most at Risk From Electric Shocks
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electricity is a serious workplace hazard. While many workers are potentially exposed to electrical hazards, some are more at risk than others. The industries and professions with the most injuries and fatalities from electricity include:
- Construction workers
- Mining workers
- Telecommunications workers
- Agriculture and forestry workers
- HVAC engineers
However, anyone coming into contact with power lines, electrical wiring, electric tools, and other sources of electricity can potentially suffer an electric shock or electrocution at work.
Types of Electric Shock Injuries
Exposure to electrical energy can affect individuals differently, depending on the voltage of the current and other factors. An electric shock may result in no injury or a minor injury in some individuals, while others experience life-threatening injuries or death. Injuries from electric shock can include:
Burns to Tissues and Organs
Burns are the most common injuries from electric shock. Electric burns can be more severe at the points of entry of the electricity or the ground, such as the hands and heels. Severe electric burns may not show much external damage but can cause devastating internal organ injuries. Serious consequences of internal burns can include:
- Loss of function
- Significant scarring
- Loss of sensation
Heart rhythms are controlled by electric impulses. When an outside electric current passes through the heart, the consequences can include irregular heart rhythms, heart attack, and cardiac arrest. Heart damage can be evident at the time of the electric shock or appear hours afterward.
Electric shocks can cause violent and painful muscle spasms and contractions. As a result of the sudden contraction caused by a severe electric shock, muscles, tendons, and ligaments may even tear.
Nerves can be injured and damaged when an electrical current passes through them. Signs of nerve damage from an electric shock can include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and loss of function. While some nerve injuries can heal, others may be permanent.
Other Health Effects of Electric Shocks
Electric currents can cause many additional injuries, including but not limited to:
- Brain injury and seizures
- Eye injuries
- Respiratory distress
- Mental disorders
Workers’ compensation might cover your expenses such as medical bills and wage loss if you suffered an electrical shock injury. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced electric shock injury lawyers are here to help. We can clarify your legal options and pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
What to Do After an Electric Shock Injury at Work
As a worker, you are probably aware of workers’ compensation benefits that kick in when you get hurt. However, workers need to take specific steps after getting injured. After an electric shock at work, ensure to:
Report Your Accident to Your Employer or Supervisor
Reporting your work accident and electric shock injury as soon as possible is critical. Your employer should then start the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on your state, the time to file a workers’ comp claim may be short. Therefore, you should take action as soon as you get injured or notice your work injury.
Seek Medical Advice Promptly
Seeing a doctor as soon as possible can help you recover quicker. Importantly, getting medical help will also provide you with a report listing your injuries and impairments, which will be crucial for your claim. If you fail to see a doctor promptly after your injury, a workers’ comp insurer could deny or minimize your benefits.
Follow Your Treatment Plan and Attend All Medical Appointments
Following your doctor’s treatment plan can help to ensure your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits. If you are scheduled for independent medical examinations by the workers’ comp insurance company, do not refuse to attend. Failing to cooperate could cause loss of your workers’ comp benefits.
Call a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Contacting a workers’ comp attorney can be an excellent step, particularly if you are significantly injured or struggle to get the benefits you deserve. Our experienced lawyers can help you with all aspects of a workers’ comp claim and fight a denial or inaccurate impairment rating.
Depending on how your electric shock injury occurred, you might be able to file a lawsuit against a third party and recover additional compensation such as awards for reduced life enjoyment and pain and suffering. Morgan & Morgan could help you get what you need to put your life back together after a work injury.
Understand Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits vary from state to state. In addition, states differ in the types of injuries covered and the time available for workers to file claims. However, most programs offer the following benefits for injured workers and their families:
- Wage replacement benefits
- All medical expenses related to the work injury
- Compensation for temporary and permanent disability
- Financial assistance for dependents
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Death benefits for surviving family members
Filing an Electric Shock Injury Workers’ Comp Claim
While the process of filing a workers’ comp claim can vary depending on where you live, it typically involves the following:
- The employee reports their accident and injury to the employer
- The employee receives medical treatment
- The employer informs their workers’ comp carrier of the injury
- The insurer sends out claim information to the employee
- The carrier investigates the claim and either approves or denies it
- The employee returns to work when signed off by their doctor
Unfortunately, not all workers’ compensation claims are straightforward. If your workers’ comp claim is delayed, underpaid, or denied, Morgan & Morgan could help you appeal the decision.
Morgan & Morgan Helps Injured Workers
Workers' comp claims can be confusing, especially if you have to deal with the appeals process. However, Morgan & Morgan has your back. Our attorneys could handle the claims process for you, fighting for the benefits you need after an electric shock injury at work. We can:
- Gather the necessary medical records for your claim
- Provide medical expert witnesses to strengthen your case
- Represent you at depositions
- Prepare you for hearings
- Negotiate a settlement agreement with the insurer
- Fight an unfair impairment rating
- Advise you on third-party lawsuits
- Assess your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits
Our attorneys are on your side and can work tirelessly for your best interests. We want you to have the best chance of receiving what you deserve to get back on your feet after a work injury.