New York Electrocution Accidents Lawyer
In New York, the construction industry is a particularly dangerous field for workers, especially on job sites that lack strong safety oversight. Dozens of workers across the state die each year due to electrical accidents, falls from heights, and other workplace accidents. New York City alone saw 20 construction workers die on the job in 2021.
Because of the large scale of many New York construction projects, electrocution accidents are not uncommon. According to data that the Electrical Safety Foundation International compiled from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), contact with electricity is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. On average, electrocutions kill 150 workers per year.
If you or a loved one were injured in an electrocution accident in New York, you have legal rights and options for pursuing compensation. Reach out to Lever & Ecker’s New York construction accident attorneys to learn more.
Table of Contents
- Why Injured New Yorkers Turn to Lever & Ecker
- Understanding Electrocution Accidents in New York
- Who Is Liable for a Workplace Electrocution Injury?
- What Compensation Can You Pursue After an Electrical Injury?
- How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for an Electrocution Accident?
- Speak With Lever & Ecker About Your Electrocution Accident Today
Why Injured New Yorkers Turn to Lever & Ecker
Decades of Combined Experience Handling Serious Injury Cases
As a personal injury law firm handling cases across New York, Lever & Ecker takes a hands-on approach to every client, guiding them through each step of the legal process. We have a proven track record of success in construction accidents, premises liability, and electrocution injury cases. At Lever & Ecker, we understand the major disruption a workplace injury can cause in your and your family’s lives, so we work to ease your burden and give you time to heal.
Lever & Ecker is an outstanding and highly professional law firm. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Adam Weiss, a top-tier attorney at the firm. Adam took the time to truly listen to my concerns, addressing each one with care, empathy, and a methodical approach. His deep knowledge and confident demeanor immediately put me at ease. I wholeheartedly recommend Lever & Ecker to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney!
Tonia E.
A Client-First Approach That Sets Us Apart
Lever & Ecker’s approach is simple: We listen to our clients, guide them, and take care of what needs to be done right away. Our goal is to alleviate the legal and financial stress that comes with a workplace injury so you and your family can focus on recovery. Our New York attorneys offer personalized attention, frequent communication, and a commitment to securing full and deserved compensation to every client.
Hispanic and Latino workers in the United States experience the highest rate of workplace electrocution fatalities, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International [source]. Data shows they are disproportionately affected compared to other groups. Lever & Ecker employs Spanish-speaking staff to ensure we can assist everyone who has suffered workplace injuries without language barriers.
I had the distinct pleasure of working directly with Kate Henderson and Adam Weiss at the White Plains office. Their immediate kindness and sincerity toward my circumstances were so reassuring. Kate never failed to keep in touch diligently, and gently let me know that I could trust them to help with every little detail of my case, insofar as finding me the best medical team to deal with throughout! Adam was always prepared with genuine answers to any question I came up with. Overall, these two were/are the team I needed, and I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal assistance.
Chelsea
Always Prepared To Take Your Case to Trial if Necessary
Lever & Ecker’s skilled construction accident attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for people injured in construction and electrocution accidents across New York. Insurance companies do not play fair—we level the playing field.
In a recent case, Lever & Ecker recovered $12.2 million for a worker who suffered life-altering neck and back injuries when he fell off a ladder on a construction site, leaving him disabled and unable to ever return to work. These injuries required multiple surgeries, including fusion surgeries at multiple levels of his spine. After the defendant refused to negotiate a reasonable settlement of the action, we proceeded to trial. The jury found the defendant 100 percent liable for our client’s fall and injuries and awarded our client $12.2 million in damages for past and future pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost income.
Lever and Ecker did a great job settling my case in spite of numerous obstacles presented by the insurance company. Dan fought through them and settled my case with a suitable amount that I was happy with. I would highly recommend the Lever and Ecker team if you have a personal injury.
Christian Martinez
Understanding Electrocution Accidents in New York
Common Causes of Electrocution Injuries
Electrical injuries involve damage to the skin or internal organs that occurs when a person comes into direct contact with an electrical current. Because the human body conducts electricity well, contact with electrical currents can be deadly, and even burns that look minor may come with serious internal damage.
The number one cause of electrical injuries on the job is overhead power line contact. Other causes include contact with nearby energized equipment, working on energized parts, ground faults, damaged wiring or equipment, and unsafe construction site practices.
Common Occupations Where Electrical Injuries Occur
Data from OSHA shows that nearly three-quarters of electrical fatalities occur in non-electrical occupations. The highest rates of electrical fatalities occur in construction, labor, installation, maintenance, repair, HVAC, roofing, and maintenance occupations.
Who Is Liable for a Workplace Electrocution Injury?
Property Owners and Managers' Legal Responsibilities
Under New York Labor Laws, property owners and employers have legal responsibilities to protect their workers on job sites. Several key state laws work to protect workers’ rights on the job, including:
- Labor Law 200: Under this law, New York employers have a general duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. All job sites and equipment must be operated to provide reasonable and adequate protection to workers.
- Labor Law 240: Also known as the Scaffold Law, Labor Law 240 provides requirements for scaffolding, pulleys, and other devices on construction sites. This equipment must be constructed and operated adequately to protect workers.
- Labor Law 241: Labor Law 241 requires all contractors and property owners to meet specific requirements when constructing or demolishing buildings or performing excavation work.
Third-Party Liability in Construction Accidents
In construction accident cases like electrocutions, workers generally cannot sue their employers—that is what workers’ compensation is for. Instead, you may be able to take legal action against the construction site owner, manager, or general contractors if their negligence led to your injury. A third-party lawsuit is separate from any claim for workers’ compensation benefits you may file.
What Compensation Can You Pursue After an Electrical Injury?
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering, including surgeries and long-term disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
Economic Damages
- Lost wages, both past and future
- Medical bills and rehabilitation expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs related to injuries and other damages
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for an Electrocution Accident?
In general, New York law allows injured people three years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit, including in construction accident cases. However, there are some exceptions to this statute of limitations—in the case of wrongful death, the victim’s family has just two years to file a lawsuit. Additionally, if the accident occurred while working on a municipal project and you plan to sue a government entity, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. Then, you must file your lawsuit within a year and 90 days.
Speak With Lever & Ecker About Your Electrocution Accident Today
At Lever & Ecker, our award-winning New York lawyers have over 70 years of combined experience representing injured people in our communities. With offices in White Plains, the Bronx, and Queens, we serve injured clients throughout New York State, including all five boroughs of New York City, all of Westchester County, and the surrounding counties. We make home and hospital visits, so if you cannot come to us, we will come to you. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrocution accident in New York, contact Lever & Ecker today for a free consultation by filling out our online contact form or calling one of our offices:
- White Plains: (914) 288-9191
- Bronx: (718) 933-3632
- Queens: (347) 391-6337
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- New York Personal Injury
- New York Construction Accidents
- Demolition Accidents on Construction Sites
- Electrocution Accidents on Construction Sites
- Excavation & Trench Collapses
- Fall Accidents on Construction Sites
- Hit by Falling Object on Construction Site
- Fatal Accidents on Construction Sites
- Saw Blade & Cutting Accidents
- How Long to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit
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