Electrocution accidents can have far-reaching and life-altering consequences for New York City workers. Exposure to electrical currents in the workplace can lead to severe burns, nerve damage, heart attacks, recurring seizures, and more. Construction workers suffering serious electrocution injuries may not only face painful and potentially life-threatening injuries, but also significant medical expenses, missed work, and an uncertain future. The most severe cases of electrocution may result in death. If you’ve suffered from these injuries and losses, a New York City electrocution injury lawyer may be able to help. We will listen to your experience, evaluate your case, and explore your legal options.
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Key Takeaways
- Electrical injuries are often invisible at first, but their long-term impact on the body and mind can be devastating.
- Even a brief electric shock can cause permanent nerve damage, burns, or cardiac complications.
- Construction sites are among the most dangerous places for electrical exposure, especially when safety protocols are ignored.
- Many electrocution accidents are preventable and result from someone else's careless decision or neglected duty.
- New York Labor Laws exist to protect workers, but those protections only work if someone enforces them.
- Recovering after an electrocution injury is about more than medical bills—it's about restoring your future and protecting your family.
- The Perecman Firm has helped injured workers throughout New York City recover the full compensation they’re owed.
- Our legal team is relentless, compassionate, and ready to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Why NYC Trusts The Perecman Firm with Construction Injury Cases
From the moment you reach out, we get to work on your case because we know how much you have on the line. You’re never just another claim number to us. You’re a person who deserves answers, justice, and a path forward. Here’s how we work for you:

We become your relentless advocates
When we take your case, your fight becomes our fight. We never take your trust in us for granted. It’s a responsibility we take to heart. That’s what fuels our commitment to win, and that’s why our clients are like members of our own family.
We build an ironclad case
We leave nothing to chance. Our attorneys meticulously investigate every detail of your electrocution injury by gathering job site evidence, medical records, safety reports, and expert testimony. We construct a powerful case designed to prove liability and maximize your financial recovery, whether through settlement or trial.
We outwork the insurance companies
Insurance carriers often try to deny, delay, or downplay valid claims, especially when serious injuries are involved. We don’t let them. Our experienced New York City personal injury lawyers take the fight directly to insurers, using facts, documentation, and seasoned negotiation skills to demand full and fair compensation. If they refuse to offer you a fair deal, we are ready to take them to court.
We know New York labor law inside and out
New York's labor laws are among the strongest in the country, but they’re only effective if your lawyer knows how to use them. Our firm has over 40 years of experience applying Labor Law §§ 200, 240, and 241 to secure life-changing outcomes for injured workers. We know the law, the loopholes, and how to make it work for you.
We give you the time and attention you deserve
You won't get passed around or ignored. Our electrocution injury attorneys are accessible, responsive, and focused on your needs. We’re small enough to offer personal service, yet powerful enough to take on any opponent. When you hire us, you become a priority, and we make sure you feel it every step of the way.
Electrocution Injuries Are Among the Most Severe Workplace Hazards
Construction work keeps New York City running. From the scaffolding on Park Avenue to power lines in Queens, your work builds the city’s skyline and powers its infrastructure. But with that job comes risk, and many of the most common causes of accidents in construction sites stem from violations of safety standards. That's why your employers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and others on the job are bound to strict safety rules and regulations.
One simple oversight or negligent act can spell permanent injuries or death to an unsuspecting worker when it comes to electrical hazards.
Electric shock injuries are among the most violent and unpredictable injuries a worker can suffer. The damage often goes far beyond the initial contact, affecting the skin, nerves, muscles, heart, and brain. In many cases, the injuries are invisible at first but can lead to long-term or even permanent disability. Below are some of the most common and severe types of electrocution-related injuries we see in New York construction accident cases.
Severe burns and thermal contact injuries
One of the most visible and painful consequences of electrocution is a burn. Electrical burns often occur at the points where the current enters and exits the body, typically the hands and feet. If the worker comes into direct contact with energized surfaces or overheated tools, the result can be thermal contact burns that damage skin, muscle, and even bone. These injuries may require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and leave permanent scarring.
Violent muscle contractions and secondary trauma
The human body reacts instinctively to electricity. As the current passes through, it can trigger violent muscle spasms so forceful that they snap bones or throw the body into nearby objects or off elevated surfaces. These secondary injuries often include broken bones, concussions, or falls from ladders and scaffolds.
Neurological damage and nerve injuries
Electricity travels along the nervous system, making neurological injuries a major concern in electrocution cases. Victims may experience immediate nerve damage, paralysis, or seizures. In some cases, symptoms emerge days or weeks later, such as tingling, numbness, cognitive issues, or chronic pain. These injuries can be especially difficult to treat and may lead to lifelong impairments.
Cardiac arrest and internal organ damage
Even low-voltage shocks can disrupt the electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat. Cardiac arrest is a common cause of death in electrocution accidents. Survivors may face arrhythmias, reduced heart function, or internal injuries to organs affected by the heat and force of the current. Quick emergency care is vital, but many victims still suffer permanent complications.
Amputations and loss of limb function
When electrical burns or tissue damage are too severe to treat, amputation may be the only medical option. In other cases, a limb may remain intact but lose function due to nerve death or muscle destruction. These outcomes profoundly affect a worker’s ability to earn a living, maintain independence, and enjoy life as they once did.
Psychological trauma and PTSD
The aftermath of an electrocution accident isn’t only physical. Workers often carry the emotional scars of what happened, especially if the injury involved an explosion, fire, or witnessed fatality. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may include anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or insomnia. These mental health challenges are just as real and debilitating as physical wounds.
Why Electrical Accidents Happen on NYC Construction Sites
Most electrocution accidents aren’t random; they’re preventable. On busy NYC construction sites, poor safety practices or shortcuts can lead to dangerous exposure to high-voltage systems. These sites are filled with live wires, overloaded circuits, heavy equipment, and often, improperly grounded tools.
Common causes of electrical accidents include:

- Exposed wiring or frayed extension cords
- Contact with overhead power lines
- Improperly maintained or defective equipment
- Lack of lockout/tagout procedures
- Water near electrical components
- Unsafe work practices in wet or humid conditions
- Inadequate protective gear or training
When these conditions exist, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and other tradespeople are at high risk. Electrocution injuries are seldom freak accidents. They more often result from someone else’s negligence.
Types of Damages You May Claim for Accidental Electrocution Injuries
If you've been injured in an electrocution accident, you may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the case. Common damages include:
Economic damages
These cover the financial losses tied directly to your injury. They may include:
- Medical expenses, including future care
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home or vehicle modifications due to disability
Non-economic damages
Not all injuries are visible on a balance sheet. Non-economic damages account for the human cost of your suffering:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent impairment
Wrongful death damages
When an electrocution accident takes a life, no amount of money can fill the void left behind. But a wrongful death claim can ease the financial strain and provide some measure of justice for the family. Loved ones may be entitled to compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
- Loss of companionship, care, and emotional support
Punitive damages
In rare cases involving gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Your Rights Under New York Labor Laws
New York has some of the strongest labor laws in the country, protecting construction workers injured by unsafe job site conditions.
Depending on how your accident occurred, one or more of the following laws may apply:
- Labor Law §200 – Requires all job sites to be maintained in a safe condition
- Labor Law §240 – Protects workers from height-related hazards, including falls caused by electric shock
- Labor Law §241 – Imposes specific safety requirements for demolition and construction work
If your injury was caused by a violation of these laws, such as working near uninsulated power lines or using modified safety equipment, you may be eligible to file a claim against the general contractor, property owner, or other responsible parties.
At The Perecman Firm, we’re deeply familiar with New York labor laws. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured construction workers across all five NYC boroughs.
How Workers’ Compensation Fits In
If you were injured while working, you may also be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, even if your employer wasn’t directly at fault.
Workers’ compensation can help cover:

- Medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgical care
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Permanent disability benefits, if applicable
However, workers’ compensation may not be enough to cover the full impact of your injuries, especially if you suffered permanent harm. That’s why we often pursue third-party personal injury claims in addition to workers’ comp so that you can recover damages for pain and suffering, future income losses, and more.
When you consult with your NYC electrocution accident lawyer, they will carefully evaluate your claim for signs that a third party could be liable for your injuries.
Who May Be Held Liable for Your Electrocution Injury?
Construction sites typically involve multiple companies working side-by-side: subcontractors, general contractors, electricians, equipment suppliers, and utility companies. Any of them could be responsible if they failed to ensure electrical safety.
We dig deep to uncover the truth. Liability in electrocution injury cases may fall on:
- General contractors who fail to ensure safe job site conditions
- Property owners who neglect safety or proper maintenance
- Utility companies responsible for dangerous power lines
- Manufacturers of defective electrical equipment
- Other subcontractors who violated safety protocols
By conducting a full investigation, reviewing job site records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting technical experts, The Perecman Firm’s team of New York City construction accident lawyers builds a case designed to hold every negligent party accountable.
What to Expect When You Work With The Perecman Firm
From your first call, we take your case seriously. We understand that every minute counts after a serious injury, so we move quickly to protect your rights and begin gathering evidence.

Our approach includes:
- Immediate case evaluation to determine all potential avenues for compensation
- Full investigation of your accident, including site inspections, expert consultations, and records review
- Coordination with medical providers to document the full extent of your injuries
- Strategic negotiation with insurance companies, using detailed evidence to demand a fair settlement
- Trial readiness, with a seasoned team of litigators who won't hesitate to take your case to court if needed
We fight hard, but we also walk beside you, explaining each step, answering your calls, and making sure you’re never left in the dark. You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest. And you don’t pay us unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York City Electrocution Accidents
What is the deadline for filing an electrocution injury lawsuit in New York?
For personal injury claims in New York, the statute of limitations generally provides three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. However, if you’re filing a workers' compensation claim, the deadline is just two years. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better. Waiting to take action can jeopardize your case.
What if I was partly to blame for the accident?
New York follows a comparative fault rule. That means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible. However, your award may be reduced based on your share of the blame. Our attorneys can assess the facts and work to minimize any claims against you.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
At The Perecman Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.
Can I still sue if I’m already receiving workers’ comp?
Yes. You may have a valid third-party claim in addition to your workers' comp benefits. This can allow you to recover damages that workers' compensation doesn't cover, like pain and suffering or full wage loss. We’ll investigate every possible route.
What kind of compensation can I receive in an electrocution injury case?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation, permanent disability, and pain and suffering. In wrongful death cases, families may seek funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
Contact a NYC Electrocution Injury Lawyer at The Perecman Firm
A serious electrocution accident can flip your world upside down. Between the hospital bills, physical pain, and uncertainty about returning to work, it can be hard knowing what to do next or where to turn. If you’re looking for a firm with proven results and client satisfaction, the Perecman Firm is here to guide you every step of the way.

Our team helped hundreds of injured construction workers across New York City find justice after devastating accidents. We know the law. We know the city. And we know how to hold those responsible accountable for what you’ve suffered.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to electrical hazards on a construction site, reach out to us today. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
The road ahead may look uncertain right now, but with the right legal team, things can get better. Call 212-977-7033 or contact us online. We’ll take it from here, working to secure the financial recovery you need to rebuild and move forward.


