Maison Law helps construction workers when they’re injured on jobsites in California. Of all the different kinds of accidents that could happen to you on a construction site, one of the scariest–and most devastating–is an electrocution. Recovery often means hospital stays, time away from work, and sometimes permanent damage. Knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting your health and your future. We’ll be there to help you and your family through the next steps. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer After an Electrocution?
When you’re electrocuted on your jobsite, it’s not like any other kind of accident. An electrocution can knock you off your feet in an instant—and the injuries are usually much more serious. You’re likely looking at burns, nerve damage, heart problems, and sometimes complications that don’t show up until later. That’s what makes these cases harder to deal with. You’re not just patching up a cut or sprain—you’re facing something that could impact you for the rest of your life.
And here’s the other problem: construction sites are messy when it comes to figuring out who’s responsible. Maybe it was the general contractor, maybe a subcontractor messed up the wiring, maybe the property owner ignored a hazard, or maybe a piece of equipment failed. Every one of them has their own insurance company, and none of those companies want to admit fault. That’s when things get stressful. Instead of focusing on getting better, you’re dealing with:
- A boss pressuring you to come back before you’re ready
- An insurance adjuster nitpicking your claim=
- A supervisor hinting you should stay quiet about unsafe wiring
It’s way too much to carry when you’re trying to heal. That’s where we come in. Our job is to:
- Sort out who’s actually responsible
- Pull together the proof you’ll need
- Make sure your side of the story isn’t brushed aside
We take care of the phone calls, the paperwork, and the back-and-forth with insurers. You just focus on getting better.
Why Do Electrocutions Happen on Job Sites?
If you’ve ever spent time on a construction site, you know just how many electrical hazards are around. Temporary wiring runs across the ground, overhead power lines cut across job sites, and workers are constantly plugging in tools and equipment. When everyone does their part and follows the rules, the work gets done safely. But when corners are cut, the risks skyrocket. Here are some of the most common ways electrocutions happen:
- Exposed or damaged wiring – A frayed extension cord or poorly insulated wire can turn into a live hazard in seconds.
- Contact with power lines – Workers using cranes, ladders, or heavy equipment may strike overhead lines—or dig into underground ones—without realizing it.
- Defective tools or equipment – A power saw with a faulty cord or a machine without proper grounding can deliver a dangerous shock.
- Lack of training or warnings – When workers aren’t told about live circuits or don’t know the right safety steps, accidents are far more likely.
- Wet or cluttered conditions – Water on the ground, combined with exposed electrical sources, makes for a deadly combination.
- Not following lockout/tagout procedures – If equipment that should be shut off is still energized, it can put maintenance crews at serious risk.
What ties all of these situations together is that they’re preventable. Safety rules exist for a reason. OSHA and California regulations require contractors and employers to keep sites free from obvious electrical dangers. Too often, though, shortcuts are taken, and workers are the ones left injured.
What Evidence Will I Need After an Electrocution?
A cut or broken bone is easy to spot, but electricity is different. It can sneak in and cause damage you might not notice right away. Burns, heart problems, nerve or muscle damage, and even injuries from being thrown off a ladder or scaffold are all common. And in the worst cases, electrocution can be fatal.
But there’s still a claims process in place, and even though the damage is obvious, the more you can show, the stronger your benefits or damages will be. Here’s what can help you with that:
- Medical records that tie your injuries to the electrocution.
- Pictures/videos of the accident scene and any visible injuries
- Statements from coworkers or witnesses who saw what happened
- Safety logs or records showing ignored hazards
- The actual equipment or wiring that caused the shock
- Documentation of all medical treatment and recovery
Collecting these pieces of evidence early can make a big difference in proving what happened. Once you have a clear picture of your injuries and the circumstances, you can start looking at your options for moving forward.
What Kind of Claim Can You File After an Electrocution?
When you face all the problems that come with an electrocution, it’s very overwhelming. All of a sudden, you face a mountain of medical bills, treatment, missed paychecks, and health issues. What’s worse, you might also have to deal with pressure from your boss or company to just move on or to not say anything about what happened.
So it might not feel like it, but you do have answers–and you’ll find them in the claims process. But the path you take is going to depend on whether you’re a full-time employee or a contractor:
- Workers’ Compensation – If you’re a regular employee, California law requires your employer to carry workers’ comp insurance. This is often the first step after an electrocution. Once you file a claim, workers’ comp can provide benefits like:
- Medical treatment related to your injuries
- Partial wage replacement while you’re out of work
- Disability benefits if your recovery is longer-term
The advantage here is that you don’t have to prove anyone was at fault. The trade-off is that workers’ comp won’t cover pain and suffering or some of the bigger, long-term effects of an electrical injury. And if you’re an independent contractor, workers’ comp usually isn’t available at all.
- Injury claim – Sometimes, someone other than your employer is responsible. Maybe a subcontractor left live wires exposed, the equipment you were using was defective, or a property owner ignored known hazards. In those cases, you may be able to file an injury claim, usually through insurance out of court or a full lawsuit. These claims can help cover “damages” that workers’ comp won’t, like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Full lost wages, not just a portion
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced earning potential if your injury affects your career long-term
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In fatal cases, damages for surviving family members
- Employment claims – Unfortunately, being injured isn’t always the only problem. Some employers try to retaliate after an accident—cutting your hours, demoting you, treating you unfairly, or even firing you. California law gives you the right to bring a separate employment claim if that happens. These claims focus on damages like:
- Lost income
- Loss of benefits
- Back pay
- Emotional distress
Every electrocution case is unique. For some workers, a straightforward workers’ comp claim is enough. For others, a civil or employment claim—or a combination of all three—may make the most sense. The best way forward depends on the details of your accident, the severity of your injuries, and your work situation. And we can help you through whatever option you choose to go with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be fired if I report the accident?
No. California law protects workers from retaliation for reporting injuries or filing workers’ comp claims. If your employer punishes you—like cutting hours, demoting you, or firing you—you may have a separate employment claim.
Am I covered by workers’ comp if I don’t work for the construction company itself?
Not always. Workers’ compensation usually applies only to employees. If you were hired through a temp agency or subcontracting company, they may have their own coverage. Independent contractors generally need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit to get financial help.
Do I need proof of my injury to file a claim?
Yes. Electrocution injuries often have hidden effects, so medical records, photos, witness statements, and documentation of faulty equipment are all key pieces of evidence. The earlier you start collecting this evidence, the stronger your claim.
Reach Out to Maison Law After an Electrocution on a California Construction Site
When you’re electrocuted on a construction site in California, you’re dealing with extremely dire circumstances. And when that happens, you need the right guidance and support. At Maison Law, our California construction accident lawyers know the system and how to help. Set up a free consultation today, and let’s go over your options.
