Accidents on construction sites, specifically electrocution injuries, are far from rare due to their dangerous nature. Such injuries can be severe if not fatal, such as skin or nerve damage, recurring seizures, heart attacks, and paralysis. Read on to learn how a seasoned St. Mary’s County construction accident lawyer can help you navigate your case.
What are the frequent causes of electrocution accidents on construction sites?
Construction workers and passersby of worksites can sustain electrocution injuries through a number of circumstances. Most of them are due to code violations or otherwise negligence. Common instances are as follows:
- Contact with overhead or buried power lines or otherwise unsecured energized sources.
- Improper use or discarding of extension cords.
- Fallen power lines.
- Electrical overloads.
- Electrical outlets that are placed in unsafe locations.
Electrocution accidents can occur due to a third-party manufacturer, as well, if there are shorts in tools or malfunctions in machinery.
What do I do if I was involved in an electrocution accident on a construction site?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer directly if you received an electrocution injury while on the job. However, you may file a workers’ compensation claim, so long as you can prove that your injury was due to negligence of the other party. In this case, contact a talented St. Mary’s County workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you attain recompense for your lost wages and medical bills. The statute of limitations in Maryland for a workers’ compensation claim is two years from the date of your accident.
If your electrocution injury was due to a third-party manufacturer’s faulty tools or machinery, you may file a third-party claim. By doing so, you may recover the compensation you need without having to sue your employer directly. The statute of limitations in Maryland for this claim is three years from the date of your accident.
And if you were just a passerby of the worksite but still got an electrocution injury, you are still eligible for a personal injury claim. This claim allows you to recover additional benefits not available through workers’ compensation, such as for damages of emotional distress or pain and suffering. However, if you were trespassing on a private construction site without authorization and became injured, you might not have a case. The statute of limitations in Maryland for this claim is three years from the date of your accident.
Contact Us Today
Our firm understands how overwhelming the claims process can be, which is why it is our job to handle the entire legal side of the matter while you focus solely on what matters most: healing. We know the ins and outs of the claims process, and we are ready to put our knowledge and experience in the field to work for you. Contact The Dorsey Law Firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
