NY Attorneys for Accidental Electric Shock Injury and Electrocution

Vigorous Representation for Injured Workers and Bystanders

The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration names electrocution number three in the “Fatal Four” of onsite construction accidents that claim the most lives annually. In 2013, 71 construction workers were killed via electrocution. Although construction sites are often high-voltage environments, electric shock injuries and death by electrocution are entirely preventable, so the mere occurrence of these incidents means that someone was negligent. Rubenstein & Rynecki represents injured construction workers and bystanders. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident and fight to recover the maximum amount of compensation possible for our clients.

Understanding the Difference Between Electric Shocks and Electrocution

The difference between a shock and an actual electrocution is one of magnitude. An electric shock can cause a surface burn, a spasm in the muscles and, if the victim is unable to pull away from the source of the current, damage to deep tissues including internal organs and the brain. Victims of electric shock can suffer:

• Nerve damage
• Heart problems
• Permanent organ damage
• Vision, hearing or speaking deficits
• Bodily disfigurement from burns

However, the shock itself is often not the greatest danger to the worker. Additional harm occurs when the worker attempts to release himself from the charge. Falls from heights causing broken bones, spinal injuries and head trauma can result.

Electrocution is an electric shock that results in death. That means the victim was exposed to very high voltage or voltage over a period of time that was sufficient to cause organ failure, usually cardiac arrest.

Common Causes of Electrocution at Construction Sites

Shock and electrocution incidents are preventable when worksites follow proper safety protocols. The most common reasons electrical accidents occur are:

• Contact with power lines
• Lack of ground-fault protection
• Improper grounding of electric equipment
• Failure to follow manufacturer's instructions
• Improper use of extension and flexible cords

By determining the cause of a construction accident, we can also establish what parties are responsible.

Seeking Compensation for Electrocution Injuries in New York

An injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation, but New York law prevents a worker from suing an employer or a coworker, even if their negligence caused the injury. However, nothing prevents you from pursuing a negligent third party with whom you do not have an employer-employee or coworker relationship.

A construction site is highly active with professionals, such as architects and engineers, and various subcontractors and their employees all engaged in separate or coordinate tasks. Contractors often lease electrical equipment and power tools from vendors. If any of these third parties act carelessly, create hazards on the worksite, or provide defective equipment that causes injury, the injured worker has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our firm can investigate your accident to see if you are entitled to file a third-party lawsuit.

Contact Our Electrical Shock Lawyers in New York

If you sustained an injury from electric shock, or a loved one suffered an accidental death from electrocution, Rubenstein & Rynecki is prepared to help. Take advantage of a free consultation to decide whether we are the best law firm to manage your case.

Call us at (718) 522-1020 or contact our office online to schedule an appointment.