Electrocution Accident Lawyer Los Angeles

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Accidents involving electricity are among the leading causes of construction site injuries. The majority of these electrocution fatalities are preventable by ensuring that job sites comply with OSHA regulations regarding electrical safety.
An electrocution accident lawyer at Ellis Law offers significant experience helping workers injured on the job get the compensation they deserve. A successful construction site electrocution lawsuit can help victims recover rightful damages for associated medical expenses, lost wages and loss of future earnings, while holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Electrocution On Construction Sites

Electrocution is the fourth leading cause of occupational injury death in the United States. Faulty power lines, malfunctioning equipment and ungrounded wires kill an estimated 350 construction workers every year.
Be Road construction with pipes for laying optical fiber for high speed internet tween 2008 and 2010, electrocution deaths accounted for nearly 10 percent of all construction site fatalities, and research indicates that contact with “live” electrical machinery and wiring was the culprit behind more than 50 percent of these deaths. This implies that most electrocution deaths on the job were avoidable had circuits and equipment been properly locked out, or de-energized, before work was performed.
Construction sites are rife with electrocution hazards as workers are routinely exposed to high-voltage electrical sources and equipment. Lack of personal protective equipment and insulated tools are just some of the causes of electrical injuries that are often life-threatening in nature. Proper training, regular inspections and routine maintenance of construction sites are paramount when it comes to ensuring jobsite safety and preventing injuries in electrical and construction workers.

OSHA Regulations for Electrical Safety in Construction 

OSHA’s Electrical Standards (29 CFR 1926, Subpart K) set strict safety regulations for electrical systems on construction sites to protect workers from electrocution, shocks, burns, and fires. These standards require proper grounding of electrical circuits and tools, protection from accidental contact with live wires, and the use of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent hazardous exposure.  

Temporary wiring must meet safety requirements, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must be installed to reduce the risk of shock in wet or high-risk environments. Employers are responsible for ensuring that power tools and extension cords are in safe working condition, that workers maintain safe distances from overhead and underground power lines, and that only trained and qualified personnel handle electrical systems.  

Additionally, workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as insulated gloves and arc flash-resistant gear, when exposed to electrical hazards. Failure to follow these regulations can result in severe injuries, OSHA violations, fines, and legal liability for employers. 

Types Of Electrical Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifies four categories of electrical injury:

  • Electrical burns – where the current burns tissue as it courses through the body
  • Falls caused by electric shock – loss of muscle control from electric shock or explosion may cause workers to fall from platforms
  • Electrical shock – as little as 50 volts can cause muscle spasms, stop the heart from beating and temporarily halt breathing
  • Fatal electrocution – an electrical injury so severe that it causes multi-organ failure and death

While electric shock and thermal burns can result from exposure to a wide range of currents, the risk of grave injury increases exponentially with higher voltages.

Electrocution Deaths In Construction

  • Electrocution constitutes one of the “fatal four” in the construction industry – responsible for more than half of all construction worker deaths.
  • During 2015, electrical sources, live wiring and machinery were among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA violations.
  • Given that construction workers often come in direct contact with energized sources and equipment, the danger of electrocution remains a constant concern.

Common Causes of Electrical Accidents on Construction Sites 

Electrical accidents are a serious hazard on California construction sites, often leading to severe injuries, burns, or fatalities. Many of these incidents result from negligence, OSHA violations, or unsafe work environments. Understanding the most common causes of electrical accidents can help prevent future injuries and hold responsible parties accountable. 

The most common causes of electrical accidents include the following:  

  • Contact with Overhead or Buried Power Lines. One of the leading causes of electrical accidents is unintentional contact with live power lines. Construction workers, particularly those operating cranes, scaffolding, or digging trenches, may accidentally touch overhead or underground electrical lines, leading to electrocution or severe burns. 
  • Faulty or Improperly Installed Wiring. Defective wiring, exposed conductors, poor grounding, or overloaded circuits can create a dangerous worksite. When electrical systems are not installed according to California electrical codes and OSHA regulations, the risk of short circuits, fires, and shocks increases significantly. 
  • Failure to De-Energize Equipment. Working on live electrical panels or circuits without proper de-energization is a major OSHA violation and a frequent cause of serious accidents. Employers must enforce lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure equipment is properly shut down and secured before maintenance or repair. 
  • Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Construction workers exposed to electrical hazards must wear insulated gloves, protective clothing, and arc flash-resistant gear. Many injuries occur when employers fail to provide PPE or workers are not trained on the importance of electrical safety equipment. 
  • Inadequate Training and Safety Violations. A lack of proper safety training on electrical hazards is a major contributor to workplace injuries. Workers not educated on the safe handling of power tools, voltage testing, and emergency procedures face a higher risk of shocks, burns, or fatalities. Employers must follow OSHA safety standards and provide regular training to reduce risks.

Long-term Effects Of Electrical Burns And Shocks

Unfortunately, some construction workers who suffer electrical burns or shock will never enjoy the same quality of life they had before. Workers may find it exceedingly difficult to earn an income and support their families. Nerve damage, vision and hearing loss, cardiovascular problems and brain injury are some of the long-term ramifications of a serious electrical injury.
A number of factors will determine the eventual severity of an electric injury, including:

  • Voltage of the current
  • Length of time the worker was exposed to the current
  • Presence of conductive moisture in the environment or on the body
  • Worker’s current heart cycle when the shock occurred

A Construction Accident Lawyer From Ellis Law Corporation Can Help

Electrocution on a construction site often results in a claim for worker’s compensation to cover immediate hospital costs and time off of work. This type of accident may also entail further investigation into premises liability issues that may warrant legal action.

When employers fail to reduce the risk of electrocution hazards through proper training, maintenance, installation and inspections, workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to significant compensation.
After receiving medical treatment, the next course of action is speaking with a Los Angeles construction accident attorney at Ellis Law. Our team of veteran legal professionals will investigate the facts of your case and aggressively pursue maximum compensation to account for the physical, emotional and financial repercussions suffered. To discuss your case free of charge or obligation, please call our El Segundo office at 310-641-3335. 

Electrocuted at work: resources

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