Electrocution Lawyer in Los Angeles

An electrocution lawyer specializes in personal injury cases involving electrical injuries and fatalities. They understand the complexities associated with such accidents and the potentially devastating physical and psychological effects they can have on victims and their families. Whether the accident occurred at home, work, or in public spaces, an electrocution lawyer can provide legal representation to seek justice and compensation.

Understanding Electrocution

Electrocution is a serious and deadly risk that can occur in various settings. From a defective consumer product to working with high-voltage wires, electrocution can happen to anyone. Understanding the dangers of electrocution and its effects on the human body is essential.

Electrocution is a term used to describe the process of being electrocuted, which is the electrical shock that occurs when electricity flows through the body. This can happen in many situations, such as touching a live electrical wire or an appliance that is not grounded or using an electrical device with wet hands. In severe cases, electrocution can cause death, while in other cases, it can cause short and long-term injuries.

The direct effects of electrocution on the human body can vary and depend on the type, duration, and intensity of the electrical current. The current can cause: 

• Burns on the skin
• Involuntary muscle contractions
• Nerve damage

In some cases it can cause paralysis and loss of consciousness. When the heart is affected, electrocution can result in an irregular heartbeat, which can lead to death in severe cases.

Additional indirect injuries due to an electrocution include falls, burns caused by catching clothes on fire, and smoke inhalation. These consequences can be deadly and cause severe trauma to the body. 

It is important to note that the severity of an electrocution injury may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms may take hours or even days to appear. These symptoms can include headaches, seizures, vision problems, and mood changes. If you experience any sort of electrical shock, seek medical attention immediately even if you think you’re not injured.

Professions With the Most Electrocution Accidents

It’s no surprise that Electricians are most vulnerable to suffering electrocution accidents due to the nature of their jobs. They work directly with electrical systems, wiring, and circuits, which puts them at a high risk. They often handle live wires, work on electrical panels, and install or repair electrical equipment. Accidents can occur due to faulty equipment, inadequate training, or lapses in safety precautions.

Construction workers are usually on job sites with heavy machinery, power tools and electrical systems. They frequently encounter electrical hazards while working on building projects. Accidents can happen when construction workers inadvertently come into contact with live wires, fail to properly ground equipment, or neglect safety procedures.

Lineworkers, also known as powerline technicians, maintain and repair electrical power systems, including high-voltage transmission lines. Their job involves working at elevated heights and near live electrical lines. Electrocution risks are significant in this profession due to the high voltage levels involved and the potential for equipment failures or contact with energized lines.

Maintenance and repair technicians in various industries, such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), industrial machinery, and automotive repair, often work with electrical components and systems. They may be at risk of electrocution when diagnosing, repairing, or installing electrical components if proper safety measures are not followed, or if equipment is outdated or damaged.

In these professions, employers must prioritize safety by providing comprehensive training, appropriate personal protective equipment, and enforcing strict safety protocols. Additionally, strict adherence to electrical codes and regulations is essential to reduce the risk of electrocution accidents in these job roles.

Legal Rights of Electrocution Victims

Legally, all of us have the right to a safe environment, whether at home, work, or in public. 

Companies, landlords, and municipalities have to ensure electrical installations and appliances are safe and pose no risk to individuals. The responsible parties may be held liable if negligence can be proven, such as lapses in maintenance, installation errors, or failure to comply with safety regulations.

Victims of electrocution accidents have the right to sue if their injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. This includes the right to seek compensation for injuries sustained, including:

Medical Costs – An electrocution accident victim can have steep medical bills. These can include an emergency room visit, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other prescriptions. In cases where long-term or permanent disability occurs, victims may also be entitled to compensation for future medical costs.

Lost Wages – Individuals who cannot continue working due to injuries can claim compensation for lost wages or loss of earning capacity. This covers the immediate period of recovery and can extend to future income if the injuries have a long-term impact on the victim’s ability to earn a living.

Pain and Suffering – Victims can pursue damages for pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact the injury has on their quality of life. Because there is no limit in how much can be awarded for pain and suffering in California, this often makes up the largest part of a victim’s compensation.

Wrongful Death – If an electrocution lead to a fatality, the surviving next of kin have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral costs, loss of income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

Electrocution victims should consult with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in electrocution claims immediately to help protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Role of an Electrocution Lawyer

Electrocution accidents, especially those caused by another’s negligence, often lead to legal claims. Navigating these cases can be difficult for the average person, underscoring the importance of partnering with a seasoned electrocution lawyer. Below, we delve into the specialized roles and responsibilities of these personal injury attorneys and how they’ll handle your claim.

Evaluating the Case

The first duty of an electrocution lawyer is to evaluate your case and determine if there’s enough evidence to proceed. The lawyer will collect evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and other relevant documentation, to help build a strong case.

Preparing the Case

Once the attorney has sufficient information, they will prepare a case on your behalf and begin legal proceedings. Your lawyer will file legal documents, notify the defendant, and gather other evidence, such as expert witness testimony to support your electrocution injury claim.

Negotiating a Settlement

Most cases settle outside of court. An electrocution claim lawyer will work with the other side to negotiate a settlement that fairly compensates you for your injuries and damages. Your lawyer will advise you on the best course of action and communicate with the defendant’s legal team to arrive at a favorable settlement.

Representing Victims in Court

It’s rare, but sometimes, the defendant refuses to make a fair offer. If that happens, your personal injury attorney will advise you to go to court. The final say is yours, but keep in mind if you don’t, you could be leaving a lot of money on the table when you most need it.

An established personal injury law firm will have the attorneys and resources to represent you in front of a judge and jury skillfully. They will present the evidence and show how the defendant’s actions led to your electrocution injury. Your lawyer will also prepare you for trial and advise you on how to present yourself in front of the judge and jury.

Seeking Compensation

Ultimately, the goal of an electrocution lawyer is to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Your lawyer will work hard to seek maximum compensation and protect your rights. They may also work with experts to determine future medical expenses and other damages that can impact you and your family’s life.

Can I Sue My Employer if They Caused My Electrocution Injury?

In addition to being able to file a workers’ compensation claim, you can also sue your employer directly if you are electrocuted on the job due to their negligence.

In California, employers have a duty to provide their employees with a safe work environment. This means that they must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and injuries from happening. If an employer fails to do this, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur, including any electrocution injuries.

To prove negligence in a workplace injury case, you must show the following:

• Your employer owed you a duty of care to provide a safe work environment.
• Your employer breached that duty of care by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent your accident.
• Your accident was caused by your employer’s breach of duty.
• You suffered damages as a result of your accident.

You can also file a personal injury claim against a third party if they caused your electrocution while you were on the job. An example would be if you were electrocuted while working at a  construction site because a subcontractor installed a defective electrical outlet. You can sue that subcontractor for any injuries from the electrocution, such as burns or nerve damage.

Call The Dominguez Firm for a Free Consultation Today

The complexities of electrocution cases require the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you or a loved one suffered an electrical injury, it is critical to understand your rights and the potential compensation that may be owed to you. 

With over 30 years of experience and an impressive 96%* success rate, The Dominguez Firm is  here to help electrocution injury victims obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. Reach out to us today for a free consultation at (800)818-1818. Let us help you obtain the crucial compensation you need at a difficult time.