Utility Worker Accidents

Did You Experience an Injury as a Utility Worker?

Utility workers perform important jobs to ensure our most essential services are in operation. Unfortunately, this means they are often put in high-risk positions with a potential for serious injury or death. If you or someone you love were harmed while performing work-related duties involving any utility service, you may have grounds to seek compensation for your damages.

Our NYC construction accident attorneys at The Perecman Firm, are available to review your case and discuss your options for pursuing compensation for your losses.

Why Choose The Perecman Firm?

• More than half a billion dollars in compensation was recovered for clients.
• Over 50 verdicts and settlements in excess of $1M each in the past 5 years.
• Award-winning attorneys recognized among The Best Lawyers in America.
• Case results that have helped shape the NY labor law.

As U.S. News “Best Law Firms” rated firm, we have the resources to help injured workers and families with both civil personal injury cases and workers’ compensation proceedings. We encourage you to discuss your case and options during a FREE consultation.

Common Utility Worker Accidents & Injuries

From working with electricity, toxic substances, and natural gas to using highly specialized machinery and dangerous equipment, utility workers face numerous risks on the job.

Some of the most common hazards associated with utility work include:

• Electrocution - Lineman and other utility workers are routinely exposed to high-voltage power lines that expose them to devastating electric shock injuries and electrocution. Whether working on overhead lines, underground faults, and transformers, or other electrical equipment, a safe worksite is crucial to avoiding electrical injuries.
• Elevation hazards - From climbing utility poles to servicing equipment on tall buildings and structures, utility workers face serious injury risks associated with falls from heights, ladder falls, and scaffolding.
• Fires and explosions - Many utility workers perform jobs in or around facilities with highly combustible materials. Though many professions face risks of workplace fires and explosions, utility workers in natural gas, electric, and industrial processing face the greatest dangers.
• Collapse and confined spaces - Utility workers who service underground electrical, gas, and plumbing services face risks of injuries resulting from working in confined and dangerous spaces, which can increase risks for toxic exposure, and tunnel or trench accidents.
• Machinery and equipment - Heavy and specialized machinery is often a necessity for many utility workers. Unfortunately, that means elevated risks of injuries caused by machinery accidents, defective products, and faulty safety equipment.
• Other worksite hazards - Utility workers may face risks associated with hazards on worksites that are under construction, including:
  • slip and falls
  • falling objects, and other accidents involving site debris
  • slips and falls
  • dog bites or animal attacks
  • elevator accidents
  • premises hazards

NYC Labor Laws & Utility Injuries

When a person sustains an injury in a utility accident, identifying an underlying cause is essential to determining who can be held liable and how victims can best pursue the financial recovery they need.

If, for instance, a worker suffered harm when falling from an elevated work surface, such as a ladder, scaffold, rooftop, or utility pole because of inadequate safety equipment or protection, there may be liability under NY Labor Law 241. Similarly, an accident that occurs in an enclosed space or excavated trench may result in liability on the part of general contractors or premises owners that failed to ensure safe conditions under NY Labor Law 200.

As a firm known for representing victims of construction accidents and workplace injuries, we know how workplace safety laws can be violated to the detriment of workers. We have the experience to conduct the necessary investigations and legal work required of these cases, and always fight for the maximum compensation possible.

Recovering Compensation After a Utility Accident

Utility workers injured on the job may have the right to seek compensation for their losses through workers’ compensation or a civil personal injury lawsuit:

• Workers’ compensation is a type of no-fault insurance that allows workers injured in the course of performing job duties to obtain benefits in exchange for relinquishing the right to sue their employer. Workers’ comp benefits – which can include disability, medical benefits, wage replacement, and rehabilitation – can be obtained regardless of who caused the accident.
• Civil lawsuits, including personal injury or wrongful death claims, can allow injured workers to obtain compensation for damages not available through workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering and all past and future lost wages. Though the facts of an accident will determine if workers have a viable civil claim, these cases are generally brought against third parties (not an employer) that caused the accident. Common examples include subcontractors who negligently caused injuries, general contractors, or premises owners that failed to ensure safe worksites or otherwise violated the NY Labor Law, and manufacturers of defective products.

The Perecman Firm, can help workers and families evaluate their options for seeking compensation following all types of utility accidents. Our attorneys take a team approach to litigating cases and handle both workers’ compensation and civil injury proceedings for our clients.

Our Construction Injury Lawsuit Results

• $15.2 Million verdict - union worker who fell from a ladder while trying to install sheet metal.
• $10 Million settlement -  construction worker injured in fall from suspension scaffold.
• $7.98 Million verdict - a dock builder struck by a hoisted block during construction of a building foundation.
• $5 Million settlement - crane operator injured in fall from outdoor stair tower at a WTC construction site.
• $3.7 Million - a carpenter who sustained electrical injuries when his nailer came into contact with an energized HVAC duct.
• $3.6 million - road worker injured in fall into the unguarded and unprotected trench.

Call a New York City Utility Worker Injuries Lawyer

Our NYC attorneys at The Perecman Firm, proudly serve workers and families throughout all five boroughs and beyond. We can advise you about your options and how we can help during a FREE and confidential consultation. Contact us to speak with a utility worker accident attorney.