When a construction worker has been electrocuted, there will likely be multiple sources of legal recovery, including a claim to recover Workers’ Compensation benefits and in many cases a lawsuit for injuries or death, pain and suffering compensation and economic losses for an electric shock injury claim, or wrongful death claim if a life has been lost.
The type of claim that a laborer or his or her estate may bring for suffering a personal injury or death by electricity will depend on many factors such as: (1) whether the laborer was an employee of the responsible party; (2) whether there are responsible third parties; and (3) the nature and extent of the laborer’s injuries.
An experienced electrocution lawyer is critical in identifying negligent third-parties that most lawyers will simply miss. An electrocution lawyer can also help you and your family protect your legal rights and hold the responsible party or parties accountable for the injuries and economic losses and medical bills if an electric shock injury occurred.
What Common Causes Lead to Construction Workers Being Electrocuted?
Construction workers are most commonly electrocuted due to direct contact with energized electrical sources on job sites. One of the leading causes is contact with overhead power lines when cranes, scaffolding, ladders, or other tall equipment come too close or make contact. Electrocutions also frequently result from faulty or improperly grounded tools, cords, and machinery, as well as exposed or damaged wiring. Wet or damp conditions further increase the risk by enhancing electrical conductivity. In many cases, these incidents occur because proper safety procedures are not followed, including failing to de-energize electrical lines or comply with required lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols.
Because electrocution hazards are often foreseeable and preventable, many job site incidents stem from inadequate safety planning, poor supervision, or violations of established electrical safety standards. Employers and contractors have a legal duty to identify electrical risks, maintain safe equipment, and enforce compliance with OSHA regulations. When these responsibilities are ignored, employees on the job site face a significantly increased risk of serious injury or fatal electrocution.
What To Do If A Construction Worker Is Being Electrocuted?
If a construction worker is being electrocuted, act quickly but safely. Do not touch the worker while power is active. Shut off the power if possible or use a dry, nonconductive object to separate them. Call 911 immediately and check breathing only after power is off. Avoid moving them unless necessary.
Below, we explain these emergency response steps in greater detail, including how to shut off power sources safely, separate an employee from electrical contact, and provide appropriate first aid until emergency responders arrive. Understanding these steps in advance can help prevent further injuries and save lives on job sites.
Do NOT touch the employee while the power is active
If a construction worker is being electrocuted, never touch them while the power is still active. Contact with the worker can cause the electrical current to pass through you, leading to additional serious injuries or fatalities. The first priority is to shut off the power source or keep others away from the area until the electricity is safely disconnected. Only once the power is off should any attempt be made to assist the worker or provide emergency aid.
Shut off power source immediately if possible
Shut off the power source immediately if possible. Cutting the electricity is the safest way to prevent further injury and allows rescuers to assist the worker without risking additional electrocution. If the power cannot be turned off quickly, keep everyone at a safe distance and use nonconductive tools to intervene.
Use a nonconductive object to separate the employee from the source
If the power cannot be shut off, use a nonconductive object to separate them from the electrical source. Dry wood, plastic, or fiberglass can safely push the worker or equipment away without conducting electricity. Never use metal or wet materials, as they can carry the current and cause further injury.
Call 911 immediately
If a construction worker is being electrocuted, call 911 immediately. Electrical injuries are medical emergencies, and prompt professional help is essential. Even if the worker appears conscious or unharmed, internal injuries or cardiac complications can occur, so contacting emergency responders without delay can save lives.
Check for breathing and pulse once the power is shut off
Once the power is safely shut off, check the employee for breathing and a pulse. If they are unresponsive and not breathing, begin CPR only if you are trained. Ensuring the employee’s vital signs are stable while waiting for emergency responders is critical, as electrical shocks can cause cardiac arrest or other life-threatening complications.
Treat visible injuries while waiting for emergency responders
While waiting for emergency responders, treat any visible injuries carefully. Cover burns loosely with a clean, dry cloth and avoid applying ice, ointments, or creams. Focus on keeping the employee stable and comfortable, as electrical injuries may include severe internal damage that is not immediately visible.
Do not move the employee unless absolutely necessary
Do not move a construction worker who has been electrocuted unless it is absolutely necessary for safety. Moving them can worsen potential spinal, internal, or other injuries. Wait for trained emergency responders to arrive whenever possible, ensuring the employee remains stable and protected from further harm.
What Safety Measures Can Prevent A Construction Worker From Being Electrocuted?
Construction workers can be prevented from being electrocuted by maintaining safe distances from overhead power lines, performing regular inspections to detect exposed wires or faulty equipment, and providing proper training so workers understand electrical hazards and follow safe work practices on site.
Construction Electrocution Statistics
There are approximately 118 “workplace electrical fatalities” every year. (Electrical Safety Foundation International)
The “construction industry had the highest number of electrical fatalities,” over the 14-year period from 2011 to 2024. (ESFI)
“Electrocutions . . . are one of the leading causes of fatal and nonfatal injuries in construction with over 50 fatal and 300 nonfatal electrical injuries annually since 2011.” (Center for Construction Research and Training)
8% of construction worker deaths are caused by electrocution. (Texas Department of Insurance)
Fatal And Non-Fatal Injuries
When a construction worker has been electrocuted, he or she could suffer an electrocution or an electric shock injury. With an electrocution, the result is fatal and the laborer will have lost his or her life. Although the effects of an electric shock can be severe, disabling and life-altering, they are not fatal.
Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit After A Construction Worker Has Been Electrocuted
When a construction worker was an “employee” at the time he or she was electrocuted, then the only lawsuit that he or she may have against his or her employer is for Workers’ Compensation benefits to cover medical bills and lost wages.
If the laborer came in contact with electricity and lost his or her life, then his or her dependents could seek death benefits from the worker’s employer, which would include damages for financial support that the employee would have otherwise provided and funeral expenses.
Most states’ Workers’ Compensation laws contain “exclusive remedy” provisions which generally prohibit injured employees from suing their employers for pain and suffering compensation for injuries that arose out of and in the course of the employee’s employment. The “exclusive remedy” provision limits an injured employee’s recovery only to those benefits specifically provided for under the state’s Workers’ Comp law.
The “exclusive remedy” provisions also apply to a deceased laborer’s dependents and, thus, prohibits them from filing a wrongful death claim against the employer.
Pain and Suffering Claim
If the party responsible for causing a construction worker to be electrocuted is a third-party – other than the employer or co-employee – then the laborer can file a pain and suffering compensation lawsuit against the third-party.
Third-party liability is generally not prohibited under the “exclusive remedy” provisions in most state’s Workers’ Compensation laws.
Wrongful Death Claim
The estate of a laborer who died as a result of a fatal electrocution can file a wrongful death claim against any third-parties – excluding the employer and crew members – whose negligence is responsible for the employee’s death. Most state’s “exclusive remedy” provisions allow this exception for third-party liability.
What third parties could be liable?
The third-parties who could be held liable for a construction worker being electrocuted include: (1) the project owner; (2) the general contractor; (3) sub-contractors; (4) property owners; (5) vendors; (6) motor vehicle driver; (7) product manufacturer; and/or (8) a maintenance company.
Independent contractor lawsuit after a construction worker has been electrocuted
If the construction worker who was electrocuted was an independent contractor relative to the negligent party who caused the electrocution, i.e., not an employee, then he or she will generally be able to bring a lawsuit for pain and suffering compensation and economic damages against BOTH the business that hired the laborer and any other third-parties who share legal responsibility.
The “exclusive remedy” provisions of most states’ Workers’ Compensation laws only apply to “employees,” thus leaving independent contractors with the legal authority to sue the businesses or people whose negligence has caused them to suffer electrocution on the job.
This “independent contractor” exception to most states’ “exclusive remedy” provisions also applies when a fatal electrocution occurs and the deceased laborer’s estate seeks to file a wrongful death claim.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a construction worker has been electrocuted?
The time you have to file a lawsuit after a construction worker has been electrocuted depends on state law and the type of claim. In most states, personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, typically ranging from one to three years from the date of the accident. If the electrocution results in a fatality, wrongful death claims usually have a similar or slightly shorter window.
It’s also important to consider additional deadlines if the employer is a government entity, as claims against public agencies often require filing a notice of claim within a few months. Because these rules vary by state and situation, it’s crucial to consult an experienced lawyer promptly to protect your right to compensation.
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Electrocution cases can involve complex issues such as workplace safety violations, OSHA regulations, faulty equipment, and liability disputes. A lawyer can help investigate the accident, identify responsible parties, preserve evidence, and ensure you pursue all available compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Acting quickly is important, as legal deadlines for filing claims can be strict.
How long does a settlement take?
A settlement can vary in length depending on the severity of the injuries and the complexity of the case. Cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle within a few months, while serious injuries or disputed liability can take a year or more, especially if multiple parties are involved.
Factors such as ongoing medical treatment, insurance negotiations, and thorough investigations can also impact the timeline. Working with an experienced lawyer can help ensure your claim is handled efficiently while securing full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Why Choose The Lawyers At Electrocuted.com For A Construction Worker Electrocution Lawsuit?
If you are a construction worker who suffered an electrical injury on the job, the lawyers at Electrocuted.com are uniquely equipped to help you pursue an electrical injury lawsuit and recover the compensation you deserve. We focus exclusively on electrocution cases, giving us deep experience with the medical, legal, and emotional challenges that often arise in these situations.
With over 40 years of experience, we have secured record-breaking settlements and verdicts nationwide, holding manufacturers, power companies, utilities, and other responsible parties accountable. By working with a network of engineers, scientists, and medical experts, we thoroughly investigate every detail of your case to ensure nothing is overlooked.
From start to finish, we provide personalized guidance, clear communication, and aggressive representation, allowing you to focus on recovery while we pursue the full compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of an on-the-job electrical injury.
