Maison Law helps workers in Porterville when they’re injured at work and want to file for workers’ compensation. When it comes to workplace injuries around the city, one of the scariest comes from electrocutions. While it usually happens on farms or construction sites around the area, it can happen anywhere there’s electricity, and leave you facing a lot of challenges. Our team will be there to guide you through a claim. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer for an Electrocution Claim?
You might be thinking, “Workers’ comp should be automatic. Why hire a lawyer?” On paper, that’s true. In real life, though, it’s not always that easy. Here’s when you might need a lawyer:
- Your care gets denied
- Benefits start to arrive late—or not at all
- Your disability ratings don’t match reality
- Your employer tries to minimize what happened
Having a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re suing your company. It means someone is making sure the workers’ comp system does what it’s supposed to do—cover your treatment, your lost wages, and that you’re able to get back on your feet. Our team knows how the system works, and can guide you through it.
What Evidence Really Strengthens an Electrocution Claim?
Workers’ comp doesn’t require you to prove fault—but the insurance company will look for any reason to downplay or delay your claim. That’s why evidence is everything. The stronger your records, the smoother things go. Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
- Detailed notes about the date, time, place, what equipment or wires were involved, and exactly what happened are some of the strongest evidence you can have.
- Medical records, like ER reports, cardiology or neurology tests, burn treatment records, and follow-ups all show the real impact of the electrocution on your body.
- Photos and video of the damaged equipment, exposed wires, the worksite, or visible injuries help prove what happened. Even short videos can be powerful for showing unsafe conditions clearly.
- Protective gear, especially the gloves, boots, or other PPE you were wearing can show you were following safety rules, which supports your claim.
- Witness statements from coworkers or supervisors who saw the accident—or knew about unsafe conditions—provide independent confirmation of your story.
- Maintenance or inspection logs can show how overdue repairs, missed inspections, or faulty equipment history was the cause of your injuries.
- Expert opinions from electrical or workplace safety specialists can explain how the accident could have been prevented, strengthening your claim in complex cases.
The goal isn’t to build a lawsuit—it’s to make sure your workers’ comp claim can’t be brushed aside. The stronger your evidence is, the stronger your claim for benefits should be. But it’s helpful to know how the actual process works.
How Does a Workers’ Comp Claim Work After an Electrocution Injury?
Unfortunately, the electrocution injury at work is only the starting point of your path toward getting workers’ compensation benefits. The good news is that the claims process with workers’ comp follows the same general outline no matter what your injury is:
- You report the injury to your employer within 30 days and ask for a workers’ comp claim form.
- Their insurance company steps in to review the claim.
- If accepted, you should begin receiving benefits like:
- Necessary medical care tied to your injury
- Temporary disability payments while you’re off work
- Permanent disability payments if your injury leaves lasting damage
- Job retraining if you can’t return to your old position
Workers’ comp covers a lot, but not everything. If your injuries are severe or permanent–which are common with an electrocution–you may also want to look at a civil claim. That only applies if:
- Someone’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. This could involve the company that made the faulty piece of equipment or a contractor that didn’t properly make sure you were safe.
At that point, you can either file an insurance claim outside of court or a full personal injury lawsuit. The point here is to get fuller “damages” for your injuries, like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
One important detail: in California, you generally only have two years from the date of the injury to file a civil claim.
How Do Electrocution Injuries Happen at Work?
Electrocution accidents aren’t just something that happens to electricians or linemen. In Porterville, anyone can be at risk—from farmworkers handling irrigation equipment to warehouse staff working around conveyor systems, from construction crews near overhead power lines to even office workers with exposed wiring or faulty outlets. The truth is, electricity is everywhere, and a momentary mistake or hidden hazard can have serious consequences. Some of the most common causes we see include:
- Exposed or damaged wiring. Old, frayed, or improperly installed wiring can deliver a sudden and dangerous shock. Even something as simple as a loose outlet cover can turn into a serious hazard.
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment. Machines, tools, and appliances that haven’t been inspected or repaired properly are a major risk. A conveyor, motor, or pump that shorts out can instantly injure you or your coworkers.
- Unsafe work around overhead or underground power lines. In farms, construction sites, and warehouses, workers can come into contact with high-voltage lines without realizing it, especially if proper distance or safety protocols aren’t followed.
- Wet or damp conditions. Water makes electricity far more dangerous. Work near irrigation systems, puddles, or wet floors dramatically increases the chance of electrocution.
- Missing or inadequate protective gear. Rubber gloves, boots, and insulated tools can save your life—but when they’re missing, damaged, or ignored, the risk goes up fast.
- Incomplete training or ignored safety procedures. Even the most careful workers can be injured if they haven’t been trained properly or if safety protocols are skipped to save time.
These hazards don’t just cause a quick shock—they can lead to severe burns, nerve and muscle injuries, heart problems, or even fatal accidents. Sometimes the effects aren’t immediately obvious. Even brief contact with electricity can cause lasting damage, like heart rhythm issues, chronic pain, or nerve problems that show up days or weeks later. That’s why workers’ comp (and the civil legal system) is there, but it requires the right support and guidance.
Get Help With Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Porterville After an Electrocution Injury
An electrical shock at work isn’t just a “little zap.” For some workers, it means burns, nerve damage, heart problems, or even lifelong complications. Sadly, in the worst cases, electrocution accidents are fatal.
When this happens in Porterville—whether on a farm, at a packing house, or on a construction site—the physical, financial, and emotional toll can be overwhelming. That’s why California’s workers’ compensation system exists. The key is knowing how to use it to get the support you need. Our team at Maison Law will be there to help you get the benefits you need. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
