Unfortunately electrical injuries result in approximately a thousand deaths per year and more than 3,000 admissions to specialized burn centers per year. Only a small percentage of these are accounted for by lightning, and the remainder involved man made electrical injuries. Twenty percent of electrical injuries occur in children with most of these occurring in the home.
The remaining accidents are primarily work place accidents. These injuries can happen to electricians or others who work with electricity or around electricity. Many of these injuries occur when workers come into contact with over head or underground power lines. Most of these tragic accidents could have been prevented. These accidents often result from the careless and negligent acts of employers, supervisors, operators, and utility companies.
Many incidents involving a main power line end up being fatal electrocutions. These lines contain a massive amount of electrical energy and as a result victims can suffer extensive burns, internal organ damage, nerve damage, and brain injury. Sometimes the force is so severe that parts of people can be blown off, and in very serious events people have even been vaporized.
In Missouri, liability for electrical accidents, including wrongful deaths and serious physical and mental injuries may be placed on the party that is responsible for the accident. Liability can be imposed on employers, supervisors, construction companies, electricians and utility companies. For instance, an electrician who improperly wires a device without grounding it can be held liable for people who come into contact with the device and are electrocuted. Workers who come into contact with over head power lines on a construction job can hold the power company liable. Workers at particular risk include electricians, tree trimmers, cranes and heavy equipment operators.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a electrical injury or power line accident contact the law firm of Tatlow, Gump, Faiella & Wheelan LLC. We offer free consultations at your home or anywhere in Missouri. Contact us by calling 800-264-3455 or submit an inquiry through our online consultation form.
