Altoona Electrocution Injury Lawyer

A workplace electrocution causes life-changing—or even fatal—injuries in a matter of seconds. Electrical accidents can leave workers with severe burns, nerve damage, and even paralysis, so there is no question that the consequences are significant.

An Altoona electrocution injury lawyer can help you explore all of your legal options. In many cases, you may not be restrained by the workers’ compensation system, giving you the right to pursue a personal injury claim for damages. Let the skilled construction accident attorneys at Berger and Green help you pursue the right approach.

How Does Workplace Electrocution Happen?

There are different factors that can lead to electrical accidents while on the job. An Altoona electrocution injury attorney helps you seek justice after the following.

Contact With Overhead Power Lines

Construction equipment, ladders, scaffolding, and cranes can come into contact with overhead electrical lines. These accidents can happen when a site manager fails to follow safety protocol or in cases where machinery malfunctions.

Exposed Electrical Wiring

Exposed wiring creates a serious hazard on construction sites and industrial properties. The company responsible for maintaining or installing the electrical system may bear liability if it fails to correct known hazards.

Defective Equipment

Power tools, extension cords, generators, welding equipment, and other electrical devices should operate safely when used as intended. When defective products expose workers to electrical current, the manufacturer or another company in the chain of distribution may be found liable through a personal injury claim.

Improper Lockout Procedures

Electrical equipment should be completely de-energized before maintenance or repairs begin. Any careless failure to do so can lead to devastating injuries.

Unsafe Temporary Power Systems

Construction projects frequently rely on temporary electrical systems before permanent wiring is complete. These incidents can result from improper installation, overloaded circuits, or even damaged temporary equipment.

The Deadline to File a Lawsuit

Pennsylvania generally gives you two years from the date of the electrocution accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party, as codified in 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5524(2). If the accident resulted in a fatal injury, the deadline for a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of that person’s death.

It is important to adhere to this deadline and comply with it, as waiting too long could result in the loss of your financial compensation. The judge may have no choice but to dismiss your case with prejudice if you miss this important deadline.

Also, begin investigating as soon as possible for reasons beyond the statute of limitations. Construction sites change quickly, and other evidence of what occurred can quickly become difficult to locate. Our attorneys can take immediate steps to preserve evidence and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Who Is Liable?

If someone other than your employer caused the electrocution, you may have the right to pursue a third-party personal injury lawsuit. These cases focus on whether another person or business acted negligently and whether that negligence caused your injuries. Several different parties may be responsible depending on the facts of the accident. They could include:

• Contractors or subcontractors
• Property owners
• Delivery truck drivers
• Vendors
• Utility companies
• Trespassers
• Visitors

One of the most important reasons to rely on an Altoona electrocution injury attorney is that they identify all of the parties responsible for your accident.