San Diego Electrocution Attorney

Suffered Devastating Workplace Injuries Caused by Electric Shock?

Workplace electrocution accidents can cause devastating and life-changing injuries — or even death. If you or a loved one has suffered an electrical injury on the job, you need experienced legal guidance to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At The McClellan Law Firm, our San Diego electrocution lawyers have extensive experience representing injured workers and their families in complex workplace injury cases throughout Southern California.

Electrical accidents can occur in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and other industries. Regardless of the circumstances, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping our clients rebuild their lives.

Call (619) 215-1488 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Electric Shock vs. Electrocution

Many people use the terms "electric shock" and "electrocution" interchangeably, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference is important for both medical and legal purposes.

• Electric Shock: This refers to any physical reaction caused by electricity passing through the body. Shocks can be mild, moderate, or severe, and may or may not cause lasting harm. For example, a minor shock from faulty wiring might cause discomfort but not permanent injury.
• Electrocution: This term is used when exposure to electricity results in death. Electrocution is a fatal outcome, typically caused by high-voltage exposure or prolonged contact with electrical sources.

Both electric shock and electrocution are serious workplace hazards. Even a non-fatal shock can cause burns, nerve damage, or heart complications that require immediate medical care.

Common Causes of Electric Shock at the Workplace

Electrical hazards can be present in almost any work environment, but certain industries — like construction, utilities, and manufacturing — have a higher risk. Common causes of workplace electrical injuries include:

• Faulty Wiring and Equipment: Aging infrastructure, damaged cords, or improper installations can create dangerous conditions for employees.
• Lack of Ground Fault Protection: Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are essential in preventing current from traveling through a worker’s body. Missing or defective GFCIs can lead to serious shocks.
• Overhead Power Lines: Contact with high-voltage overhead lines, especially during construction or crane operation, is a leading cause of fatal electrocutions.
• Poorly Maintained Tools and Machinery: Power tools, extension cords, and heavy machinery that have frayed wires or missing insulation can expose workers to live current.
• Wet or Damp Conditions: Working around electricity in wet environments significantly increases the risk of shock.
• Failure to De-energize Equipment Before Maintenance: Lockout/tagout procedures exist to prevent accidental energization during repairs. Skipping these steps can have deadly consequences.
• Improper Training: Workers who are not trained in electrical safety may unknowingly expose themselves to high-risk situations.

Common Injuries from Electric Shock and Electrocution

Electric shock injuries vary depending on voltage, duration of exposure, and the current’s path through the body. Some of the most common workplace electric shock injuries include:

• Severe Burns – Electrical burns can damage both skin and underlying tissue, sometimes requiring surgery or skin grafts.
• Cardiac Arrest or Arrhythmia – Even a brief shock can disrupt normal heart rhythm.
• Nerve Damage – Electrical current can interfere with nerve function, leading to chronic pain, weakness, or paralysis.
• Muscle and Tendon Injuries – Sudden involuntary contractions during a shock can cause tears, fractures, or dislocations.
• Respiratory Issues – Electrical injury can impair lung function or damage the respiratory muscles.
• Vision and Hearing Loss – High-voltage accidents can lead to cataracts or ruptured eardrums.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – If the shock causes a fall or head impact, workers can also suffer concussions or brain damage.
• Death (Electrocution) – In the most severe cases, electric current overwhelms the body’s systems, leading to fatality.

These injuries often require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and may prevent the victim from returning to their previous job.

Recovering Compensation for Workplace Electrocution

If you suffered an electrical injury at work in San Diego, you may be entitled to multiple forms of compensation, including:

• Workers’ Compensation – Covers medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and disability benefits.
• Third-Party Claims – If someone other than your employer (e.g., a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or utility company) caused your injury, you may be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit for additional damages.
• Wrongful Death Claims – Families of workers who die from electrocution may be eligible for compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

At The McClellan Law Firm, we investigate every potential source of liability to ensure you receive the maximum recovery available.

Electrocution Claim FAQs

What should I do immediately after an electric shock at work?

Seek emergency medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Internal injuries may not be immediately visible. Then, report the incident to your employer and document the conditions that caused the accident.

Can I sue my employer for electrocution?

In most cases, workers’ compensation laws prevent direct lawsuits against employers. However, you can file a claim for benefits and may pursue lawsuits against negligent third parties.

How long do I have to file a claim in California?

Workers’ compensation claims must typically be filed within one year of the injury. Personal injury lawsuits usually have a two-year statute of limitations. However, deadlines can vary, so it’s important to speak with an attorney immediately.

Who can be held liable for my electrocution injury?

Potential defendants include contractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and utility companies — anyone whose negligence contributed to your accident.

How much is my electrocution case worth?

The value depends on the severity of your injuries, your lost wages, medical costs, and whether long-term disability is involved. Our attorneys can evaluate your case during a free consultation.

Speak with a San Diego Electrocution Lawyer Today

Electrical injuries can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. You don’t have to face the legal process alone. The San Diego electrocution lawyers at The McClellan Law Firm have the skill, resources, and dedication needed to fight for justice on your behalf.

We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and start protecting your future.

Begin your journey towards recovery by calling us at (619) 215-1488.