Anyone who works in the construction industry knows how dangerous a construction site can be.  In fact, construction-related injuries account for as much as 15 percent of workers’ compensation costs. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrocution is the second most common cause of death In the industry, behind only falls as a cause of death.

October 2012, a man who was hired to paint a tower in Edison, N.J., was killed after coming into contact with a live 26,000-volt wire, according to a news report on NJ.com. The man then fell more than 50 feet to the ground, striking another worker who was seriously injured in the fall. Police indicated that neither worker was wearing a protective harness at the time. The accident was under investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, as well as local officials.

In 2011, electrocution caused the deaths of 67 construction workers, representing 9 percent of all construction industry deaths that year. Violations related to “electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment” ranked No. 6 among the most frequently-violated standards.

Even when they are not fatal,  Electrical injuries are typically very serious. A worker who comes into contact with electricity may receive a life-threatening burn or shock.

Contact a Job-Related Injury Attorney in the New York-New Jersey Metro Area

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a New York or New Jersey workplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation.  Sometimes, a third party is responsible in a workplace accident, meaning that you may be entitled to compensation outside the workers’ compensation system.

Contact the New York and New Jersey workplace injury attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., to find out what legal options you have. With six offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation.