If a loved one dies as a result of an electric shock death, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages for their loss. This type of lawsuit can be filed if the death was caused by someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional harmful actions.
Do I have a Workers Comp Claim After a Fatal Electrical Accident?
If the incident occurs in the workplace, you may qualify for workers’ compensation death benefits, without needing to prove the employer was negligent. This can help cover medical expenses and funeral costs, as well as provide support based on the deceased’s earnings.
What Compensation Can I Get for a Fatal Electric Shock?
It is possible to recover compensation for death by electrocution in various ways, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost future earnings of the deceased
- Medical expenses incurred before the death
- Conscious pain and suffering before death
- Loss of companionship and financial support
What Should I Look for in a Lawyer?
When seeking a lawyer, look for someone with specific experience in electrical accidents or wrongful death cases. Additionally, you’ll want someone who communicates well, shows empathy, and has a strong track record of wins in the courtroom or settlement negotiations.
What Would a Lawyer Do to Help Me Get a Winning Settlement or Trial Verdict?
A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Investigating the circumstances of the accident
- Gathering necessary evidence, such as incident reports, medical records, etc.
- Establishing negligence of the responsible party
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies
- Presenting a strong case in court if necessary
Elements of a Lawsuit
In a lawsuit after a fatal electrical accident, you typically need to prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal duty to ensure a safe environment.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed in that duty.
- Causation: This failure directly caused the fatal electrical accident.
- Damages: As a result, the victim suffered fatal injuries and family members have incurred losses.
Who can I sue?
If a loved one dies because of an electric shock accident, several parties might potentially be held responsible, and these include:
- Employer: If the electrocution occurred in a workplace setting due to safety violations or negligence, the employer could be held accountable.
- Property Owner or Landlord: If someone dies due to a fatal electrical accident on someone else’s property because of unsafe conditions, such as faulty wiring, the property owner or landlord might be responsible under the premises liability laws.
- Electric Utility Companies: Sometimes, incorrectly installed or poorly maintained power lines can cause electrocution. In such cases, the utility company can be held responsible.
- Manufacturer of Electrical Product: If the death was caused by a defective product, such as a faulty appliance, the product manufacturer or the retailer might be held liable under product liability laws.
- Contractors and Sub-Contractors: In certain scenarios, especially construction sites, third-party contractors or sub-contractors might also be held responsible if their negligence led to the fatal accident.
It’s important to seek legal advice in this situation. Complex aspects of negligence law, insurance law, and tort law often come into play in these cases, so the input of an experienced attorney can be invaluable.