Electrocution accidents can cause life-changing injuries. If you were electrocuted while performing your job, a Brooklyn work injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
The team at Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers has 50 years of combined experience. If you or one of your loved ones was electrocuted at work, a Brooklyn electrocution injury lawyer can help you file a claim and pursue compensation.
Why Hire a Brooklyn Electrocution Attorney?
Building a strong electrocution injury claim takes a lot of time and energy.
A Brooklyn personal injury lawyer can:
- Gather medical evidence: We can help collect medical records and other evidence documenting your injuries, treatment, and restrictions.
- Assist with your claim: We can help you prepare and submit the necessary paperwork and supporting documentation.
- Deal with the insurance carrier: We can communicate with the insurer and address disputes involving medical treatment, disability, or benefits.
- Provide representation: If settlement talks fail, we can represent you in court.
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Can You Sue Your Employer for a Workplace Injury?
Generally, you cannot sue your employer directly for an electrocution injury that occurs at work. Workers’ compensation typically serves as your exclusive remedy.
That said, exceptions can apply depending on the circumstances of the accident and your employer’s conduct. For example, if your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance or purposely harms you, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
In addition, if the negligence of a third party, such as a property owner who ignored prior complaints about hazards, contributed to the accident, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
The damages available to you after an electrocution injury will depend on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the other losses you have suffered.
If you qualify to file a third-party personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, follow-up care, and other reasonable medical costs.
- Future medical care: You may recover anticipated expenses for ongoing treatment, physical therapy, assistive equipment, or other long-term care related to the injury.
- Lost wages: You can seek damages for income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or earning the same income, you may be able to recover compensation for diminished future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: You may recover damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and the effects of your injuries on your daily life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can seek additional compensation if permanent injuries prevent you from participating in activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed.
- Disfigurement and disability: You may receive additional compensation for severe burns, scarring, amputations, nerve damage, or permanent disabilities.
- Punitive damages: You may recover punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless, intentional, or egregious.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in New York?
In most cases, NY CPLR § 214 gives you three years from the date of an electrocution injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, even if you have a strong claim.
However, a different deadline may apply depending on the circumstances of your electrocution accident. For example, claims involving a government entity may have shorter filing deadlines and additional notice requirements.
An electrocution injury attorney in Brooklyn can assess your case and explain how long you have to pursue a claim.
What Causes Workplace Electrocution Accidents in Brooklyn?
Electricians, maintenance workers, utility employees, and workers in industrial settings all face electrical hazards.
Common causes of electrocutions include:
- Contact with exposed electrical wires
- Damaged power cords
- Defective tools or machinery
- Improperly installed electrical systems
- Failure to de-energize equipment
- Inadequate electrical grounding
- Contact with overhead power lines
- Wet conditions near electrical equipment
- Poorly maintained electrical systems
- Failure to provide appropriate protective equipment
- Inadequate workplace safety procedures
- Improper training or supervision
- Electrical equipment that was not properly inspected
Common Injuries Caused By Electrocution
Electrical accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Severe burns
- Nerve damage
- Cardiac arrest
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Hearing or vision problems
- Psychological trauma
What to Do After a Workplace Electrocution in Brooklyn
If you or someone else is electrocuted at work, you should:
- Call 911: Request emergency medical help right away.
- Get emergency medical treatment: Severe electrical injuries require immediate treatment. Even when you do not see obvious burns or other injuries, it’s important to get evaluated to rule out internal issues.
- Document the accident: If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the equipment, electrical source, work area, warning signs, and anything else that may be relevant to your claim.
- Identify witnesses: Keep track of which coworkers or other people saw the accident or its aftermath.
- Keep records: Save medical bills, wage information, accident reports, correspondence, and other documents connected to your injury.
- Be careful with insurance statements: Insurers may ask questions about your accident and medical condition. Provide accurate information, but avoid speculating about the accident or who was at fault.
- Get legal help: Speak to a Brooklyn electrocution work injury lawyer to find out how you can pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact an Electrocution Injury Lawyer in Brooklyn
A third-party personal injury claim may provide crucial financial support while you recover from a serious electrocution injury.
If you were injured in an electrical accident that wasn’t your fault, a Brooklyn electrocution injury attorney from Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you seek the damages you deserve.
You don’t need to worry about how much a work injury lawyer charges in New York because we work on contingency. You won’t pay anything upfront or out of pocket, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Schedule a free consultation to get help with your claim.