Electrical/Workplace Accidents

Those who frequently work with or around high voltage electricity face the serious risk of an electrical workplace accident each day they show up to work. While many of the risks that electricity presents can be mitigated, some cannot. For example, faulty wiring, negligently lain cable, or a lack of safety features can all catch even the most safety-conscious worker off guard. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our Miami workers’ compensation lawyers help injured employees obtain workers’ compensation benefits after suffering an electrical injury at work. We have nearly a century of combined experience pursuing compensation on behalf of injured workers and know what it takes to get you the benefits you deserve as quickly as possible.

In theory, most workers face some risk of an electrical injury while on the job. However, certain occupations have a much higher risk than others. In fact, three industries are responsible for the vast majority of all electrical workplace accidents in the United States:

• Construction and extraction
• Installation, maintenance and repair
• Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance

If you suffered a Miami electrical accident at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

The workers’ compensation system allows workers to recover benefits if they are hurt on the job or develop a job-related illness or disability. The Florida workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program, meaning you do not need to prove that anyone was responsible for your injuries to obtain benefits.

Workers’ compensation benefits stemming from electrical workplace accidents may provide medical benefits coverage, income replacement benefits, and death benefits.

Medical benefits cover the costs of all medical care related to the accident. This may include doctor’s visits, trips to the emergency room, physical therapy, prescription medication and any necessary testing a doctor orders.

If approved for workers’ compensation benefits, you will receive periodic payments to cover your lost wages until you can return to work. Generally, temporary benefits last for up to a certain number of weeks, or until you reach “maximum medical improvement.” If your injuries so serious that you can never return to work again, then you may qualify for permanent total disability benefits.

Families who lost a loved one in an electrical workplace accident can recover workers’ compensation death benefits. Death benefits may include funeral and burial expenses, compensation provided to surviving family members, and education benefits for the surviving spouse. The amount of benefits will vary depending on the nature of the accident.

While the Florida workers’ compensation laws generally prohibit an injured worker from pursuing a personal injury claim against their employer, that is not the case for injuries caused by the negligence of non-employers. Thus, if you suffered an electrical workplace accident that was caused by someone other than your employer, you may have a third-party personal injury claim.

A third-party claim is a type of personal injury case and falls outside the scope of the workers’ compensation laws. Thus, you must prove that the at-fault party 1.) owed you a duty of care, 2.) violated that duty, and 3.) caused your injuries. While these claims are more difficult to prove in some cases, they also offer the possibility of obtaining additional compensation. Most notably, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, which are not available through a Florida workers’ compensation claim, are obtainable through a Florida electrical workplace accident personal injury case.

If you or a loved one was recently electrocuted at work and are looking into your options, reach out to the Florida electrical accident attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada. Our team of lawyers possesses unparalleled knowledge and experience when it comes to workers’ comp cases. For more than 45 years, we’ve represented injured employees and their families in all types of accident claims, including those caused by electrical workplace accidents. To learn more about the workers’ compensation process and to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, give us a call at 305-448-8585. We serve clients all over South Florida, including but not limited to Miami, Naples, Homestead, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.