In California, construction, maintenance, agricultural and other workers are exposed to the risk of injury or death from electrical accidents. Construction accidents pose the greatest risk of electrical fatalities. Suchworkers comprise 38 percent of fatalities from electrical accidents. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been significant improvement in electrical safety over the past 20 years.
According to BLS statistics, fatal electrical injuries have dropped by over 50 percent since 1992. Non-fatal injuries from electrical accidents have shown even greater improvement, dropping over 60 percent over the same time-span. The Electrical Safety Foundation International states that improvement in electrical safety can be realized through training for people in high-risk industries.
If a worker is injured or killed in an electrical accident, the injured party and his or her dependents or heirs may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Depending on the circumstances, workers’ compensation may replace lost income, medical expenses and funeral costs if the victim died in the accident. It is important to note that workers’ compensation is different from a personal injury settlement. Individuals who accept an offer of workers’ compensation are typically unable to file a personal injury claim for the same incident.
A lawyer with a background in workers compensation cases might explain the differences between a personal injury claim and workers’ compensation. In addition, legal counsel could review the case and build a claim that outlines the extent of the damages suffered by the claimant. This might help maximize the benefits that are given to the injured worker or the worker’s family.
Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International, “Electrical Safety Then and Now”, November 30, 2014
