Electrical Accident Statistics: What You Need To Know

Workplace electrical accident injury statistics

Here are statistics regarding fatal and non-fatal electrical accident injuries in the workplace:

• There are approximately 150 fatal workplace electrical injuries annually (and 1,630 non-fatal workplace electrical injuries every year), according to the accident statistics published by the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
• According to electrical accident statistics published by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), from 1992 to 2015 approximately 3,000 construction workers died from electrocution, representing nearly half of all work-related constructions deaths in this time period)
• The electrical accident statistics that the Texas Department of Insurance shared shows that 8% of construction worker deaths are caused by electrocution.

Common causes of electric shock injuries

The most common causes of electric shock injuries or death in the home and in the community include:

• Contact with overhead power lines – Downed power lines are extremely dangerous as they are almost always “live,” meaning they are carrying a high-voltage current of electricity (Never touch or make contact with a downed power line!!)
• Fires – These are caused by improper, faulty, or outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged extension cords, and faulty appliances
• Contact with water – When electricity is near water, which is highly conductive, the risk of serious injuries or a fatality increases dramatically
• Human error – Improper use of equipment by someone who is not properly trained can lead to a serious electric shock injury

According to the statistics provided by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the most common causes of electrical accidents in the workplace are:

• Contact with power lines – Overhead and buried power lines at a work site are particularly dangerous as they carry extremely high voltage
• Lack of ground-fault protection – A lack of ground-fault protection leaves workers susceptible to a ground-fault that would send a current of electricity through his or her body, potentially causing burns and even death
• Path to ground missing or discontinuous – When the power supply path to the power equipment at a worksite has been broken, the fault current can travel through a worker’s body, causing burns and even death
• Equipment not used in manner prescribed – Using power equipment in a manner for which it was not designed can nullify the safety features built in by the manufacturer
• Improper use of extension and flexible cords – Normal wear and tear on these cords will loosen or expose wires, creating a dangerous condition.

What to do if someone is injured in an incident with electricity

If someone has been injured in an incident with electricity, take the following steps, if applicable:

1. Turn off power – If possible, turn off the power source and carefully move the person to safety. If the power source cannot be turned off, you may be able to roll the person to safety using non-conductive material such as wood or plastic
2. Call 9-1-1 – Seek emergency help immediately
3. Start CPR – If the person is not breathing or lacks a pulse, administer CPR
4. Provide oxygen – If the person is struggling to breathe, provide oxygen right away
5. Treat burns – Cover any burns with clean, non-stick bandages. Do not apply ice or ointments to the burns, and do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin
6. Inform first responders – When first responders arrive, give them as much information as you can about the circumstances and current situation, then let them take over
7. Consult with an attorney – If you or a loved one was the victim, consult with an experienced electric shock/electrocution lawyer as soon as possible in order to protect your legal rights to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other economic money damages

What happens if a loved one is killed in an incident with electricity?

If your loved one was killed in due to an incident with electricity, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if you can establish that: (1) your loved one’s death was the result of another party’s negligence; (2) there are surviving family members who may be entitled to damages; and (3) your loved one’s death resulted in financial losses and psychological harm. A wrongful death action must be filed within 3 years of the date of your loved one’s death (MCL 600.5805(2))

Damages available in a wrongful death action include:

• “Reasonable medical, hospital, funeral, and burial expenses” (MCL 600.2922(6))
• “Reasonable compensation” for “pain and suffering”
• Loss of your loved one’s financial support, society, and companionship. (MCL 600.2922(6))

How can a lawyer help me after an incident with electricity?

Electrocution and electric shock injury cases are among the most complex cases an attorney can litigate. To win a case and obtain a full and fair settlement, a lawyer must have significant experience, specialized knowledge, a track record of success, and a reputation for taking cases to trial when a suitable settlement offer is not made. 

Most personal injury lawyers have never handled an electric shock injury case, let alone won a million-dollar verdict. That’s because big power companies and insurance companies know when they’re dealing with an attorney who is out of his or her element. And they will take advantage of this situation by forcing a low-ball settlement using bullying tactics such as threatening expensive and protracted litigation, and a lengthy trial. You deserve better, and an experienced electrocution attorney can help you get the outcome you deserve.

Here’s what a lawyer who specializes in electrocution litigation can mean to you:

• Bigger, faster settlements
• More comprehensive investigations to ensure evidence is gathered, liability is determined, and your case is properly built
• Access to the best experts in safety, engineering, power infrastructure, economics, medicine, and rehabilitation
• An experienced advocate to do your negotiating
• A relentless litigator who will take your case to trial if necessary