Coal Mining & Construction Site Electrical Injury Attorneys
At Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C., we have spent more than 40 years taking action against those responsible for West Virginia coal mine accidents of all types, including electrical injuries and deaths. When the victims of these accidents and their families come to us, they can expect us to take immediate action to maximize compensation for medical costs and other expenses.
High Voltage Machinery Accidents
Much of the equipment used in coal mining is high voltage. Huge cables run to equipment from massive power centers. In this highly charged environment, any shortcut can cause an electrical accident. Our investigation of a coal mining electrical accident often uncovers critical safety violations. For example, we frequently find that lock out and tag out procedures were not followed while someone was working on a piece of equipment, leading to electrocution.
In some cases, the safety violations we discover are much more blatant. Many pieces of electrical equipment operating in coal mines are equipped with mechanisms that cause them to shut down automatically if there is any chance of a problem. In many electrical accident cases, we have found that these mechanisms have been bridged or bypassed by coal companies or other parties in order to save time.
The equipment used in coal mines is worked hard. It must be maintained appropriately. We have found that equipment left in disrepair, particularly equipment with damaged cables, is at the heart of many electrical accident claims.
Hazards That Can Cause Injuries on Construction Sites
Hazards that Cause Electrical Injuries on Construction Sites
There are number of dangers on construction projects that put workers at risk of an electrocution accident:
- Overhead power lines
- Underground power lines
- Working in high elevations
- Power tools that are improperly grounded
- Defective or inadequately maintained equipment
- Exposed wiring
- Unfinished electrical systems
- Improper use of extension cords
- Power overloads
- Lack of proper safety gear
- Inclement weather
Coming in contact with high-voltage power lines is the most common reason for a construction related electrical injury. Coming in contact with power equipment that had not been de-energized is the second most common reason.
Injuries can occur on construction sites not only because of the electric shock, but also from falls that result from temporary seizures that can happen after the electrocution. As we touched on earlier, many construction workers are performing tasks in higher elevations, and when they suffer an electrical injury, it can knock them off of the platform they are working on and cause them to fall a significant distance.
Liability for Electrocution Injuries on Construction Sites
In general, a West Virginia employee cannot sue their employer for a work-related injury, but there are some limited exceptions; namely, when it can be shown through clear and convincing evidence that the injury was caused by the employer’s deliberate actions. A deliberate intent claim is very difficult to win, however, although not impossible. If you believe this may apply to your case, discuss this option with our attorneys.
More often than not, there are outside parties (other than the employer or a coworker) who may be responsible for a construction-related injury. These may include:
- Faulty planning on the part of an engineer and/or architect.
- Contractors or subcontractors whose negligence cause or contribute to the electrical accident.
- Property owners if the electrocution was caused by unsafe premises wiring.
- Designers, manufacturers, and distributors of dangerous or defective machinery that contributed to the accident.
Every case is different, and there are always unique circumstances that must be examined in order to determine what legal options may be available to you. Critical pieces of evidence have a tendency to disappear over time, however. So be sure to get in touch with our legal team at your earliest convenience to review your case.
We work on a contingent fee basis. We do not get paid unless you do.
Free Initial Consultation With a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Charleston
Contact our West Virginia personal injury law firm to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced coal mining electrical injury attorneys.
