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Risks of the electricity industry

Electricians are particularly at risk from electrocution. The worst case scenario is electrocution leading to death. Exposure to excessive current or prolonged exposure to current can cause rapid heart rate and possibly death. Death occurs within minutes unless a defibrillator is used. Although 75 mA is not a very high current, it can cause permanent injury or death. Electric shocks to the hands tend to be non-lethal at a higher frequency than electric shocks to other parts of the body. Such injuries can occur if there is direct contact with electrical equipment or electrical wires. Immediate medical attention is required to treat a person who is exposed to electric shock and permanent injury.

Electricians are also prone to falls during electrical installation in high places. A fall is not always the only cause of a given injury. It is also possible that an electrical shock could knock an electrician off a ladder or other elevated surface to the ground below.

Repetitive injuries and overexertion

Although not as common as the injuries described above, it is also possible for electrical workers to suffer injuries that result from overexertion and repetitive stress. Electricians’ hands, fingers, knees and backs are particularly vulnerable. Stress or overuse injuries can result from using force to perform a specific task, handling vibrating tools, staying in the same position for long periods of time, standing on hard surfaces, leaning your body uncomfortably, and excessing bending at the waist/knees. Although some overuse injuries and repetitive stress injuries are just as painful as the common electrician injuries explained above, it is possible for such injuries to reduce an electrician’s quality of life and even end their career.

How to proceed after an injury

Injured electricians may need to take time off work or may even transition to a new job. This transition can lead to significant financial stress as it becomes more difficult to cover medical expenses due to injuries. Your budget should be the last thing on your mind when trying to restore your health. Fortunately, compensation is available through the New Jersey Compensation System.

Meet with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to explain exactly what happened. Your attorney will guide you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. If all goes well, you will be compensated for medical bills and disability benefits for injuries caused in connection with your work activities. Injured workers should know that negligence does not play a role in workers’ compensation. Injured electricians are covered regardless of where or why the injury occurred, as long as it was a direct result of necessary job duties.

As noted above, workers’ compensation laws apply to situations where employers act negligently, but there are some limitations. For example, injured electricians are not compensated for pain or suffering. Additionally, if an electrician dies as a result of an accident on the job, their loved ones do not have the authority to apply for disability benefits through the workers’ compensation system.

After an accident at work, it is possible to file a personal injury claim. Electricians are barred from suing their employer while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, but they can sue third parties responsible for damages. If you are considering such a case, you should see a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you determine whether a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against a third party has a chance of success. If there is a legal basis for such a case, your attorney will help you identify all responsible persons and try to prove their negligence caused your injury or the death of a loved one.

Schibell Law, LLC is here for injured electricians

Schibell Law, LLC has successfully obtained workers’ compensation benefits and other forms of compensation for injured electricians. If you have been injured while performing electrical work or if you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, contact our legal team as soon as possible to arrange a free consultation. You can contact Schibell Law, LLC at 732-774-1000. We will vigorously advocate for you until justice is served.

Richard N. Schibell, Esq.

is the founding partner at Schibell Law LLC concentrating in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation throughout New Jersey. Mr. Richard N Schibell graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts, concentrating in both Philosophy and History. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Schibell served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Richard W. English, J.S.C., in the Civil Division of the Monmouth County Superior Court.