Electrocution accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families grappling with significant emotional and financial challenges. Understanding the legal options available is the key to recovering compensation for your injuries, medical bills and more.
Personal injury claims
Victims of electrocution accidents can pursue personal injury claims if they can prove that the accident resulted from another party’s negligence. This involves demonstrating that the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care, directly causing the injury. For instance, property owners or landlords might be held liable if poor maintenance or improper wiring leads to an electrocution accident. Similarly, manufacturers could be accountable if an electrical product malfunctions and causes injury, or electricians and contractors could face liability if their improper installation or repair work results in electrocution.
In a successful personal injury claim, victims can seek compensation for a range of damages. These include current and future medical expenses, lost wages due to an inability to work, pain and suffering and rehabilitation costs such as physical therapy or counseling.
Workers’ compensation
For electrocution accidents that occur on the job, victims can typically file for workers’ compensation benefits with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to provide financial support to employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault. This system covers all medical expenses related to the injury, replaces lost wages during the recovery period and offers compensation for permanent impairments that affect the ability to work. Additionally, it may provide vocational rehabilitation services if the injury prevents the victim from returning to their previous job.
Employers are generally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring that injured employees receive the necessary financial support.
Third party liability for on-the-job accidents
In some workplace electrocution accidents, third-party liability may apply. This occurs when someone other than the employer is partially or fully responsible for the accident. For example, a subcontractor’s negligence might lead to an electrocution accident, or defective equipment or tools could implicate the manufacturer. Similarly, if unsafe conditions on a property not owned by the employer contribute to the accident, the property owner might be held liable.
Victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against the third party while still receiving workers’ compensation benefits. A third-party claim can provide additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers, including damages for pain and suffering or punitive damages aimed at punishing particularly egregious conduct.
Electrocution accidents can have life-altering consequences, and victims deserve comprehensive legal support to navigate the aftermath. Understanding and pursuing the appropriate legal options can help you secure the compensation you need for recovery—call the Law Offices of Tim Misny to learn more about your legal options.
Discuss your claim with an Ohio personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your workers’ compensation or personal injury claim. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 944-4373 so that I can evaluate your case right away.