Legal Counsel For Injured Electricians in PA

Electricians are some of the bravest and most underappreciated tradesmen working today. Without their labor, the modern world as we know it would cease to function.

Each day, electricians knowingly put themselves in harm's way and face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the world. They regularly work from nosebleed altitudes, risking severe injuries and death if something goes wrong. Even low-voltage shocks can be fatal.

When things do go wrong, Workers' Compensation acts as a safety net for injured electricians and their families. These protections ensure that you don't go into financial ruin when you're incapable or working.

However, the system isn't perfect. Many injured workers struggle to acquire the financial compensation they deserve.

About Workers' Comp

Workers' Compensation is a system designed to strike a compromise between employers and their employees. When a worker gets injured on the job, this law entitles them to financial compensation for medical bills and about 2/3 of their lost wages.

This is a no-fault form of insurance. Even if your injury was the result of your own mistakes, you are still eligible for coverage. In exchange for this guaranteed coverage, your employer is protected from lawsuits from injured employees - even if workplace negligence contributed to your injury.

Roadblocks in the Claims Process

Workers' Comp sounds great in theory. Employees should have a sense of security that they don't have to worry about money if they get injured on the job. However, there are flaws in the system. Workers regularly run into trouble with denied or limited claims.

It's important to remember that Workers' Comp is an insurance policy. This means that like with any other insurance company, your employer's WC insurance representatives are paid to find ways to limit or deny your claim. The claims process is complex and requires comprehensive documentation of your injuries. Even a small error can result in a denied claim.

If your claim is denied, you will likely face a lengthy and stressful appeals process. When medical bills are piling up with no paychecks coming in, injured workers do not have the time to jump through these hoops.

Do I Need A Lawyer?

If you're looking to win your claim with as few headaches as possible, an experienced work injury lawyer can be a valuable resource. At Monheit Law, our lawyers have helped countless injured workers receive the compensation they deserve. We know how the system works and how to compile the appropriate evidence for a successful claim or appeal.

Third Party Liability

In certain situations, injured employees are eligible for additional compensation outside of WC. If a third party contributed to your injury, you may have a viable personal injury claim. A third party is defined as anyone other than your employer or coworkers who played a role in your accident.

If you were working as an electrician on a construction site when you got injured, there is a good chance you were sharing that job site with several third parties. Possible third parties include:

• Independent contractors
• Subcontractors
• Equipment manufacturers
• Architects
• Property owners
• Employees of other companies

If one of these third parties acted in a negligent way which caused your injury, you should consider a personal injury claim. For example, if malfunctioning equipment is to blame, you may hold the manufacturer liable for damages.

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one to a preventable work accident is one of the most tragic things a person can experience. Families are left to grieve over their loss, and many are faced with additional financial stress.

While a lawsuit can't bring back your loved one, it can help to ensure your family doesn't have to struggle financially without him or her. Wrongful death claims operate very similarly to personal injury ones. If your loved one's death was the result of someone else's mistake, that negligent third party could be held liable for the compensation your family needs.

We understand that when you're grieving, filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind. Our attorneys are prepared to do the heavy lifting to earn the compensation your family needs, while you all focus on mourning.

Common Injury Causes

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed an acronym so that electrical and construction workers can easily remember and identify electrical hazards: BE SAFE.

• Burns - Burns are the most common shock-related injuries. OSHA identifies three types: electrical, flash, and thermal contact.
• Electrocution - Exposure to lethal amounts of electrical energy, resulting in death.
• Shock - Shock happens when electrical current enters the body at one point and leaves at another. As the current passes through the body, the worker has a reflex response known as electrical shock.
• Arc Flash/Blast - Sudden release of electrical energy into the air when there is a high-voltage gap and a breakdown between conductors. Arcs give off thermal radiation and bright lights that can cause serious burns and explosions.
• Fire - Fires are commonly caused by faulty electrical outlets, old wiring, and problems with cords, plugs, receptacles, and switches.
• Explosions - When electricity interacts with explosive materials in the air, an explosion may occur.

If you or a loved one suffered an electrical injury while on the job, it's important to consider all of your options. When you're ready to take that step, our work injury lawyers will be here to listen in a free consultation.

Learn More About Work Injury Claims

• What to expect from a Workers' Compensation claim
• What is life like after a work-related electrocution?
• Recovering from job-related burn injuries
• Options for workers injured in workplace explosions