Electrocution Injuries
Although not heard of as often as some other types of injuries, electrocution injuries are still one of the 4 most common causes of construction worker fatalities, second only to falls. Every year, there are approximately 150 electrical fatalities, with about 30,000 or so nonfatal electrical injuries. Of those 150 electrical fatalities, 60 or so of them are associated with consumer products.
Generally, construction workers experience the highest number of electrocution injuries and fatalities, and they account for more than 50% of such injuries yearly. The three most common electrical fatality causes are contact with an overhead power line, contact with wiring, transformers, or other electrical components, and contact with the electrical current of a machine, tool, appliance, or light fixture.
Although there has been a steep decline in the number of electrocution fatalities over the past 20 years, many in the electrical industry believe the numbers are under reported. Additionally, those in the industry also believe that 2 potential causes of electrical injuries are: 1) the belief that electrocution can never happen to me; and 2) the belief that working while the electrical line is turned on will save time and cut costs down. Obviously, both of these beliefs are extremely dangerous and can certainly lead to an electrical injury or death.
Both employers and electrical product manufacturers are required to follow certain laws to maintain workplace and product safety. Sometimes, manufacturers cut corners and employers fail to keep their employees properly trained, and if either of these things happen, it can be a recipe for disaster.
Employers and electrical product manufacturers that don’t put safety first should be punished for their wrongdoings. A person who suffers a nonfatal electrical injury will have to pay for treatment, which can range anywhere from $1-4 million. Our experienced Electrocution Attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you or a loved one have been electrocuted as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the Houston Electrocution Attorneys at the Merman Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
Sources:
http://files.esfi.org/file/Electrical-Safety-Then-and-Now.pdf
https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
