Who can be sued after an electrocution injury at work?

Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties may include the manufacturer of defective electrical equipment, a contractor who installed or maintained electrical systems, a property owner responsible for the electrical infrastructure, or another company whose negligence contributed to the hazardous condition. An attorney can investigate and advise on who may bear legal responsibility.

What if the electrical equipment was defective?

Where a defective electrical product — a power tool, extension cable, switchgear, or other electrical equipment — caused an electrocution, a product liability claim against the manufacturer may be available. This is separate from workers' compensation.

Can I claim for arc flash injuries?

Arc flash incidents can cause severe burns and blast injuries. Claims may be available against the equipment manufacturer, the electrical maintenance contractor, or the site operator, depending on what caused the arc flash and who was responsible for the electrical systems involved.

What are the long-term effects of electrical injuries?

Electrical injuries can cause burns, cardiac arrhythmia, neurological damage, chronic pain, muscle and bone damage, and psychological effects including PTSD. Long-term effects can be significant even where the initial injury appears survivable. These ongoing effects are relevant to the scope of any legal claim.

Practice Area

Electrocution and Electrical Injury Claims

Quick answer

Electrocution and serious electrical injuries at industrial sites can result from faulty wiring, defective equipment, arc flash, and inadequate lockout/tagout procedures. Where defective equipment or contractor negligence contributed, claims may go beyond workers' compensation to include product liability or third-party negligence.

Exposure to electricity caused 126 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with industrial and construction settings most frequently involved. BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (2022)

Electrocution and electrical injury lawyers handle serious injury claims from industrial electrical incidents, including arc flash, contact with live conductors, and defective electrical equipment. Where faulty equipment, negligent electrical contractors, or unsafe electrical infrastructure contributed, claims may extend well beyond workers\' compensation.

Reviewed by Gerald Lee Cross Jr, Managing Partner · Cross & York LLP

OSHA Electrical Safety Standards

OSHA electrical safety standards cover the installation, maintenance, and use of electrical equipment and systems in general industry. OSHA's standards on lockout/tagout, electrical protective equipment, and working on energised equipment apply to industrial sites. OSHA also has specific standards on arc flash protection. Failure to meet these standards can be relevant to a legal claim.

Who May Be Legally Responsible

Where an electrical injury was caused by defective equipment, the manufacturer may face a product liability claim. Where an electrical contractor installed or maintained systems that created the hazard, that contractor may be liable. Where the site owner or operator failed to maintain safe electrical infrastructure, they may also bear legal responsibility.

Injuries Caused by Electrical Incidents

Electrical burns at entry and exit points
Arc flash burns across large body areas
Cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest
Neurological damage affecting motor function and cognition
Blast injuries from arc flash explosions
Secondary injuries from falls caused by electrical shock
Psychological effects including PTSD

How an Attorney Can Help

Electrical injury cases often require expert electrical engineering evidence to establish what caused the incident and who was responsible for the systems involved. An attorney can coordinate expert analysis and preserve relevant equipment. Related: defective equipment claims and third-party workplace injury claims.

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Legal Notice: The information on this page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances affect all legal claims. Contacting this firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. This content may be considered attorney advertising.

Who May Be Legally Responsible?

In industrial accident cases, legal responsibility may extend beyond the immediate employer. Other companies, contractors, or manufacturers may have contributed to the conditions that caused the injury.

Equipment manufacturers

Where defective machinery, tools, or safety equipment contributed to the injury

Maintenance contractors

Where poor maintenance of machinery or the worksite created dangerous conditions

Site owners and premises operators

Where the condition of the premises contributed to the accident

General contractors

Where a general contractor had responsibility for site safety

Subcontractors

Where a subcontractor's work or conduct contributed to the incident

Trucking and logistics companies

Where industrial vehicle operators or their employers were involved

Chemical suppliers

Where a supplier provided inadequately labelled or unsafe chemicals

Safety contractors

Where a company responsible for safety systems or training failed in its duties

Other negligent third parties

Other companies or individuals whose negligence may have contributed

Whether any of these parties may be legally responsible depends on the specific facts of each case. An attorney can investigate what happened and identify all potentially liable parties.

What a Claim May Cover

Types of Compensation That May Be Available

The types of compensation available depend on the specific facts of each case, the applicable state law, and who is found legally responsible. An attorney can review your situation and explain what may apply.

We do not promise any particular outcome. Every case is different and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Medical care and treatment costs

Including emergency care, surgery, hospitalisation, and specialist treatment

Lost wages and income

Earnings lost during recovery or absence from work

Reduced earning capacity

Where an injury affects future ability to work or earn at the same level

Pain and suffering

Where available under applicable state law

Future medical care

Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care where required

Disability

Permanent or partial disability damages where applicable

Disfigurement

Where the injury has caused lasting physical disfigurement

Wrongful death damages

Available to qualifying family members where an industrial accident caused death

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Practice Areas

Defective Equipment Claims →

Electrical equipment product liability claims.

Plant & Refinery Accidents →

Electrical hazards at plants and refineries.

Third-Party Claims →

Claims against contractors and manufacturers.

Burn & Explosion Injuries →

Arc flash and electrical burn claims.

Serious Injury Claims →

Catastrophic injury claims.

Industrial Accident Lawyers →

Overview of industrial accident claims.