What’s the Average Compensation for Electric Shocks?

As Hudson Valley construction accident lawyers, we at The Ahearne Law Firm have seen firsthand the devastating impact of electrical injuries on workers and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered an electric shock on the job, you're likely grappling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills.

You may be wondering about your legal options and want to know how much compensation you might be entitled to. The Ahearne Law Firm is here to help. We’ll discuss workers’ compensation, electric shock lawsuits, and potential settlement amounts in New York.

Understanding Electric Shock Injuries

An electrical current that passes through the body can cause both external and internal injuries. The risk of electric shock to construction workers is particularly high due to exposure to power lines, faulty equipment, and other electrical hazards on jobsites. In fact, electrocution is one of the four leading causes of death in the construction industry.

Although many workers survive electric shocks, the following injuries are common:

• Mild to severe burns
• Muscle, nerve, and tissue damage
• Heart problems, including cardiac arrest
• Brain injury due to lack of oxygen
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures from falls caused by the shock

The severity of these injuries can vary widely, from minor external burns to life-altering disabilities. More serious injuries are likely to lead to higher compensation in electric shock claims.

Legal Options for Electrocuted Workers in New York

If you've had an electric shock accident at work in New York, you have two main avenues for compensation.

Workers' Compensation Claims

Employers in New York are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. This system provides certain benefits to injured workers regardless of fault:

• Medical treatment
• Partial wage replacement
• Disability benefits
• Death benefits for surviving family members

While workers' comp provides crucial support, it does not fully cover all of an employee’s losses.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Some electrocuted workers may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to their workers' comp claim. This is possible if a third party — someone other than your employer or a coworker — was responsible for the electrical injury. Examples might include:

• Equipment manufacturers
• Subcontractors
• Property owners
• Utility companies

A successful personal injury lawsuit can potentially provide more comprehensive compensation than workers' comp alone.

Average Compensation for Electric Shock: What to Expect

While it's impossible to provide an exact figure for the average settlement amount, we can offer some general insights based on past cases.

Workers' Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation insurance will cover the following costs for on-the-job injuries:

• Medical treatment: Covered in full for necessary care.
• Wage replacement: Two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum.
• Disability benefits: Depends on the part of the body affected and the extent of the impairment.

In 2024, the New York state maximum wage replacement amount is $1,171. The state has also set forth compensation guidelines for the loss of use of certain body parts.

Personal Injury Settlements or Awards

Electric shock settlements and jury awards can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Here's a rough breakdown of potential compensation:

These are just general ranges; many cases fall outside of these boundaries.

Factors Affecting the Value of Work Electrocution Claims

The amount of compensation in electric shock cases depends mostly on these factors:

• Severity of injuries
• Level of impairment, especially long-term impairment
• Current and future medical prognosis
• Amount of lost wages
• Future impact on earning capacity
• Level of pain you endured or continue to endure
• Extent of the negligence of responsible parties
• Amounts awarded in similar cases in your jurisdiction

Each case is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all formula for determining compensation.

Challenges in Electric Shock Injury Lawsuits

Pursuing compensation for electric shock injuries takes time and legal skill. If we think you have a strong case for a personal injury lawsuit, we’ll handle the following steps:

• Determining liability: Since multiple parties may be responsible, we’ll investigate what happened to find out who was to blame.
• Proving negligence: We’ll try to establish that a business or person violated safety protocols or did not take proper precautions.
• Assessing long-term impacts: We’ll estimate the financial and personal effects of the injury on your life.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts, but we’ll fight for full compensation.
• Complying with legal deadlines: New York has strict time limits for filing claims and lawsuits.

For cases of negligence leading to personal injury, the New York deadline for filing a lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident.

Steps to Take After an Electric Shock at Work

If you've suffered an electric shock on a construction site or other workplace, remember these steps:

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine.
2. Report the incident to your employer as soon as possible.
3. Document everything — take photos, gather witness information, and keep records of all medical treatment.
4. File a workers' compensation claim promptly.
5. Consult with an experienced electric shock injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
6. Do not sign any documents or accept any settlements without legal advice.

Without an experienced legal advocate, you run the risk of accepting a lower settlement that doesn’t offer the financial security you need.

How a Lawyer Can Help Secure Full Compensation

An experienced construction accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your electric shock case by:

• Thoroughly investigating the incident to identify all liable parties;
• Working with medical experts to fully assess your injuries and future needs;
• Calculating the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses;
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and opposing counsel;
• Preparing your case for trial if a fair settlement can't be reached;
• Ensuring compliance with all legal procedures and deadlines.

With a deep understanding of New York labor laws, the work injury attorneys at The Ahearne Law Firm are uniquely prepared to take on your case. We're committed to fighting for the full compensation our clients deserve after life-altering electrical accidents.