Whether on a work site or in a household, electrocution accidents can lead to severe and even fatal injuries, such as permanent nerve damage, recurrent seizures, or paralysis. Read on to know your rights for suffering an electrocution injury and how an experienced Hillsborough County personal injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you require to hear.
What are the common instances of electrocution accidents?
Injuries such as those due to electrocution are common cases on construction sites. These accidents, whether involving employees or passersby, are primarily caused by negligence by employers, code violations, or defects in the machinery used. The following are some examples:
- Contact with an unsecured electric current, such as that of overhead or buried powered lines, wiring, transformers, machines, or tools.
- Improper use or discarding of extension cords.
- Fallen power lines.
- Electrical overloads.
- Commerical equipment malfunctioning from manufacturing defects.
- Shorts in electrical tools from manufacturing defects.
Although likely not as severe, electrocution accidents can also occur in households, public buildings, or retail buildings due to code violations and negligence by property owners. Below are some common causes:
- Contact with an unsecured electric current, such as that of appliances or light fixtures.
- Electrical outlets placed in unsafe locations.
- Shorts in electrical appliances from manufacturing defects.
- Faulty wiring, in locations such as hot tubs or pools.
Do I have grounds for a personal injury claim if I was involved in an electrocution accident?
As long as you can prove that your electrocution injury was the direct result of another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation for economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, or non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
For an electrocution accident in a household, public building, or retail building, you would file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations for this claim in Florida is generally four years from the date of your accident.
If you were injured on the job due to a negligent manufacturer of faulty tools and machinery, you would likely file a third-party claim. And if you were injured on the job due to your employer’s negligence, you would likely file a workers’ compensation claim. However, firstly, you are legally obligated to report your injury to your employer if you either required medical treatment or are unable to return to work. The statute of limitations in Florida for a workers’ compensation claim is two years from the date of your accident. If this is your case, reach out to a proficient Tampa work injury lawyer to start your case as soon as possible.
Contact Our Experienced Florida Firm
If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, you need an attorney who truly cares about your right to heal. Merricks Law Group handles a wide array of injury claims, including injuries sustained in auto accidents, slip and falls, and more. Contact Merricks Law Group today.
