Dawn Pinnisi
September 29, 2022
If you have experienced an electrocution on a New Jersey construction site, you need dedicated legal representation. The attorneys at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. have years of experience in personal injury matters and are here to represent your interests.
Electrocution Accidents on New Jersey Construction Sites
NJ Construction sites actually have the highest number of electrocutions. An electrocution is a death or injury resulting from an electrical current passing through someone’s body. In examining a ten-year period, there was an average of 85.5 electrocution fatalities per 100,000 construction workers.
Causes of Electrocution
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, commonly known as OSHA, has a training course called the “Focus Four,” which lays out the main causes of construction accidents. The Focus Four Hazards include falls, caught-in or -between, struck-by, and electrocution.
Since metal ladders and lifts are often used on construction sites in the New Jersey area, workers can easily come into contact with overhead power lines. Even more alarming, improper use of an electrical cord can result in a construction worker’s death.
OSHA has determined the primary causes of electrocution are: overhead power lines, energized sources, and extension cords:
- Overhead power lines: Overhead and buried power lines carry high voltage that can cause electrocutions, severe burns, and falls
- Energized sources: Live, damaged, or bare wires and defective equipment and tools can cause electrical shocks or burns.
- Extension cords: The normal wear and tear on extension and flexible cords can loosen or expose wires, creating a hazardous condition
Resulting Injuries
Electrocution can put the body into shock, resulting in damage to tissue and internal organs.
Often, when there is electrocution, an “arc flash” may take place. An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that results from a current connection from the air to the ground. If the voltage of the current is very high, there can be an entrance and exit wound.
This electrical current can result in any of the following injuries:
- Skin burns
- Nerve or tissue damage
- Cardiac arrest as a result of the electrical current passing through the heart
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Paralysis
Who is Responsible for Electrocutions on NJ Construction Sites?
There can be countless reasons why a worker is electrocuted while on the job. There could be missing ground fault protection, faulty wires in extension cords, defective electrical equipment, or even badly placed overhead lines, to name a few.
The circumstances of electrocution will determine who holds legal responsibility for any injuries or subsequent death.
After reviewing a case, any of the following parties could be found liable:
- Premises owner
- Project manager
- Product manufacturer
- Maintenance company
- General contractor
An experienced New Jersey construction accident attorney at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. can represent your interests and bring the responsible party to justice on your behalf.
Contact a New Jersey Construction Accident Attorney
Whether you have fallen victim to an electrocution injury or have lost a loved one due to an electrocution, you need legal assistance. Don’t assume you have to pay your medical bills without first having an experienced attorney review your case. Contact us today.
Dawn M. Pinnisi
Dawn M. Pinnisi is a distinguished attorney with a track record of excellence in advocating for victims of injury and negligence. Dawn is a Founding Partner of the Firm, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been awarded by the National Trial Lawyers.
University: J.D. Brooklyn Law School
Bar Number: 33771999
Locations: New Jersey and New York.
Let Us Fight For You
Need Help? Contact us 24/7
Free Consultation (800) 616-2916New York & New Jersey Personal Injury & Litigation Lawyers