Electrocution injuries are one of the most serious types of personal injuries that can happen at a workplace. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) 166 people died and 1,900 were injured in workplace accidents involving electricity in 2019. Unfortunately, after suffering an electric shock many people are unaware of their rights as employees. Some may wonder if they’re entitled to compensation and whether they should sue. To help you understand your rights in the event of an electric shock at work, Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham offers the following guide.
Who Is Responsible for an Electric Shock at Work?
There are many circumstances where you have the right to compensation after suffering an electric shock at work. Companies have an obligation to provide their employees with a safe working environment. This is sometimes referred to as a duty of care. If a company fails to live up to its duty of care and its employee suffers an injury, the employee is entitled to collect damages through worker’s compensation insurance.
In regards to an electric shock at work, a company would be responsible for:
- Faulty electrical appliances or equipment
- Damaged power lines
- Overloaded electrical outlets
- Worn cables, extension cords, and surge protectors
Any of the above could lead to an electric shock. Minor electrocution injuries result in mild discomfort or pain, while serious injuries could lead to a permanent disability or wrongful death.
Major injuries often require a significant amount of money to treat. If your electric shock was caused by your employer’s negligence then you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
In most cases, a reputable company will compensate an injured employee through worker’s compensation insurance. However, in some cases the hiring company or insurance company may deny a rightful claim. This is when you need a seasoned worker’s compensation lawyer, such as the ones at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham. Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of the worker’s compensation laws in Illinois and Iowa, and have successfully gotten clients the money that they deserve.
What If I Suffered an Electric Shock at Work Because of a Coworker?
Employers and coworkers have a certain degree of protection through worker’s compensation laws. However, similar to how if an employer’s negligence makes them responsible for an employee’s injuries, you may have the right to sue for an electric shock at work caused by a coworker.
Generally, if your injury was caused through normal work actions then your best course of action is to seek compensation through worker’s compensation. However, if your injury was caused by unusual activity, such as extreme carelessness or recklessness, then you may have grounds to sue your employer and/or coworker. The attorneys at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham can review your situation and help you determine the best course of action.
What Steps Should I Take Following an Electric Shock Injury?
Whether your injury was caused by an employer’s negligence or a coworker’s recklessness, it’s important to do the following:
- Take notes on the accident and back them up with photographs if possible
- Get medical treatment for your injuries
- Determine if you’re eligible for worker’s compensation
- Inform your employer that you’ve suffered an injury
- File for worker’s compensation
The intricacies of worker’s compensation law in the Quad Cities can be difficult to navigate, especially when an employer or insurance company is denying your claim. This is when the attorneys at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham will fight for your justice. Let our familiarity with Illinois and Iowa worker’s compensation laws and superior litigation skills win you the money that you’re entitled to. Our team can negotiate the highest possible settlement for you and, if appropriate, sue for your compensation.
Contact a Workplace Accident Attorney
Worker’s compensation is generally a great thing that affords employees a great deal of protection. However, it also protects employers and coworkers that may have caused an employee injury. While most compensation is handled through worker’s compensation, there are circumstances where someone will suffer an electric shock at work and be wrongfully denied worker’s compensation. In these cases Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham can help you sue for justice.
You can contact the legal team at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at (309) 794-1515 or online through LiveChat. Consultations are free and we do not charge any fees unless your case is won. Contact us today and find out why Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham is one of the most trusted law firms in the Quad Cities.