At the Law Offices of Hussain & Gutierrez in California, we know the dangers and risks you face as a construction worker on your job sites each day. Electrocutions are one of your biggest risks since you are surrounded by numerous power tools, equipment, and machinery.
As noted by Construction Connect, electrocutions rank second on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) “Fatal Four” list of construction worker deaths:
- Falls
- Electrocutions
- Struck-by-object events
- Caught-in-between-object events
What Is Electrocution? (And How Is It Different from Electric Shock?)
Electrocution refers to a fatal electrical injury resulting from contact with a high-voltage power source. It is not the same as an electrical shock, which may cause pain, burns, or temporary numbness, but is usually non-lethal.
The distinction is crucial: electrocution implies death or catastrophic trauma, while electric shock may result in recoverable injuries. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to both due to regular exposure to energized tools, live wiring, and heavy machinery.
How Much Electricity Is Fatal?
It takes as little as 50 to 100 milliamperes (mA) of current to kill a human. Standard electrical outlets in the U.S. carry 120 volts, with currents ranging from 15 to 20 amperes (A), hundreds of times more than what can be fatal.
Electrocution injuries often involve:
- Direct contact with live wires
- High-resistance contact burns
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Respiratory paralysis
- Deep tissue damage
Common Causes of Electrocution on Job Sites
Unfortunately, you face a high risk of sustaining an electrocution injury from all of the following:
- Faulty equipment and tools
- Frayed or damaged cords
- Ungrounded wires
- Contact with overhead wires by cranes, lifts, ladders, and other similar equipment.
- Poorly lit construction sites
- Unmarked underground utilities
- Lack of proper lockout/tagout procedures
- Inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Wet or conductive surface conditions
OSHA has clear regulations in place to prevent these conditions, particularly under x, which governs electrical safety in construction.
Construction Site Electrocution Injury Statistics
Construction workers account for nearly 61% of on-the-job fatal electrocutions in the U.S., making it one of the deadliest industries for electrical injuries.
Breakdown by occupation and age:
- 25% of fatalities involve general laborers
- 19% involve electrical workers
- 28.3% of all fatal electrocutions occur in males aged 35–44
- 75% of fatal cases are caused by contact with power lines, transformers, or electrical converters
These injuries are often preventable with proper training, hazard assessments, and strict adherence to safety procedures.
Types of Electrical Injuries: More Than Just Burns
Electrocution can result in multiple categories of trauma. Not all injuries are visible on the surface:
1. Thermal Burns
Caused by direct contact with hot surfaces or electric arcs that ignite clothing or skin.
2. Arc Flashes
Result from high-energy discharges across air gaps. These can cause severe internal burns, even without direct contact.
3. Entry and Exit Wounds
Electricity travels through the body from the point of contact to the ground, often causing damage to internal organs, nerves, or bones along its path.
4. Neurological Damage
Electrocution may impair brain function, cause seizures, or result in long-term memory loss, depression, and cognitive deficits.
5. Muscle and Cardiac Trauma
Sudden exposure can trigger cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, or severe muscle contractions that fracture bones or dislocate joints.
Safety Recommendations for Preventing Electrocution
Take special care when using your power equipment. Plug 3-prong cords only into compatible extension cords and ensure none of the cords are frayed or patched with electrical tape.
Construction workers should also:
- Use GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets
- Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
- Wear insulated gloves and boots
- Avoid metal ladders near energized lines
- Inspect tools daily for damage
- Attend OSHA-mandated training on electrical hazards
Failure to implement these practices can result in employer liability under California Labor Code §6400, which mandates a hazard-free workplace.
Employer Responsibility and Cal/OSHA Compliance
In California, Cal/OSHA enforces strict rules for workplace electrical safety. Employers must:
- Provide PPE and training
- Keep work environments free of known hazards
- Ensure proper signage and lighting
- Report serious injuries or fatalities within 8 hours under Title 8, Section 342
- Maintain OSHA-compliant equipment (e.g., cord grounding, circuit breakers, protective devices)
Violation of these laws can serve as grounds for civil liability or an enhanced workers’ compensation claim.
Your Legal Rights After an Electrocution Injury
If you’ve been injured due to electrocution at a construction site, you may be eligible for one or more of the following legal remedies:
Workers’ Compensation
Covers:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Lost wages
- Vocational rehabilitation
No need to prove fault, but you generally can’t sue your employer directly.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a third party (e.g., tool manufacturer, subcontractor, or property owner) was responsible, you can file a civil lawsuit for:
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
Wrongful Death Claim
If a family member died due to electrocution on a job site, eligible survivors can pursue a wrongful death action to recover:
- Funeral expenses
- Lost financial support
- Loss of companionship
What to Do Immediately After an Electrocution Injury
- Get medical help, even if symptoms seem minor
- Document the scene, tools, and witness contact info
- Notify your supervisor and create a written incident report
- Don’t sign anything from the insurance company without legal advice
- Contact a construction injury attorney with experience in electrocution claims
Delays in reporting or filing can hurt your case. Under California law, the statute of limitations is:
- 1 year for workers’ comp
- 2 years for personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits
FAQs About Electrocution Injuries at Construction Sites
What qualifies as electrocution in a legal case?
Electrocution refers to fatal or severely traumatic injury from electricity. In a legal context, this includes burns, neurological damage, or cardiac trauma that occurred due to unsafe conditions or faulty equipment.
Can I sue for an electrocution injury on a job site?
Yes if a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or utility provider, was at fault. You may also receive workers’ compensation regardless of fault.
What symptoms should I look out for after an electrical shock?
Symptoms may include confusion, weakness, numbness, burns, memory problems, or delayed-onset pain. Seek medical attention even if symptoms appear hours later.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You generally have:
- 1 year for a workers’ compensation claim
- 2 years for a civil lawsuit
Always consult an attorney as soon as possible.
What if my employer didn’t report the injury?
Employers must report serious injuries to Cal/OSHA within 8 hours. Failure to do so may result in fines and can strengthen your legal position.
If you or a loved one suffered an electrical injury or fatal electrocution at a construction site in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, or anywhere in California, don’t wait.
Hussain & Gutierrez are experienced attorneys in construction injury and wrongful death claims. We’ll help you:
- Investigate the cause of the injury
- Hold negligent parties accountable
- Maximize compensation through settlement or trial.
Call us today to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
