Offshore Electrocution Attorneys
Electric Shock & Electrocution Risks in Maritime Work
Offshore workers often face unsafe working conditions due to the negligence or oversight of their employers, leading to an increased risk of serious injuries. Particularly concerning is the risk of electric shock or electrocution, which can be caused by poorly maintained electrical equipment and wiring, improper lockout/tagout procedures, lax safety standards, and improper training. Contact with electricity can lead to severe burns, electric shock, and even death.
When seamen and offshore workers are harmed by electricity, they and their families may be able to seek compensation and hold accountable parties responsible through the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act, or other applicable maritime law. Arnold & Itkin is here to help with every step of an offshore electrocution or electric shock case, getting answers and recovering fair compensation to build brighter and more stable futures. Our firm has won more than $20 billion for our clients and has handled the biggest maritime cases in history, such as the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Contact our offshore electrocution lawyers now at (888) 346-5024 for a free consultation. We can answer your questions and help you understand your rights and options.
Electrical Hazards on Offshore Platforms & Vessels
Electrical hazards are a significant concern offshore, where workers frequently interact with various electrical systems, including wiring and equipment. The nature of these hazards and their deadly consequences make safety crucial.
Key electrical hazards in the offshore industry include:
- Exposed Wiring and Equipment: Over time, insulation and protective coverings on electrical wiring can wear down, especially in the harsh maritime environment. Exposed wiring poses a direct risk of shock.
- Damaged Electrical Equipment: Regular exposure to moisture, salt, and physical stress can lead to the deterioration of electrical equipment. This increases the risk of electric shock as well as fires or explosions.
- Contact with Live Electricity: Direct contact with live electrical components is a serious risk, particularly when safety protocols are not strictly followed. Such incidents can result in severe and immediate injuries.
- Water and Electricity: Moisture and water in the maritime environment can create situations where electricity becomes even more hazardous. Water acts as a conductor, spreading electrical currents beyond their intended paths.
- Improper Grounding: Inadequate or faulty grounding of electrical systems can lead to uncontrolled electrical discharge, posing a danger to anyone in contact with the equipment or nearby metal structures.
- Lack of Regular Maintenance: Without regular checks and maintenance, electrical systems can become unsafe. Corrosion, wear and tear, and other issues might go unnoticed until they pose a significant risk.
- Inadequate Training and Safety Measures: Offshore workers who are not adequately trained in electrical safety or are working without proper protective gear are at a higher risk of experiencing electrical hazards.
The consequences of encountering these hazards can range from mild shocks to life-threatening injuries like heart arrhythmias, brain damage, and severe burns. Given these risks, offshore operations must implement stringent safety standards, equipment inspections, and worker training programs to minimize the potential for electrical accidents.
The damp and wet maritime environment exacerbates the danger of electrical injuries. Seawater, a conductor of electricity, also possesses corrosive properties that can deteriorate electrical components. This degradation can lead to electrical shorts or improper grounding, significantly increasing the risk of severe electrical shock. Water can also intensify the severity of burns caused by electrical incidents.
Severity & Consequences of Offshore Electrical Injuries
Electrical injuries in the maritime setting are among the most severe due to the high voltage typically involved in industrial applications. The severity of these injuries depends on various factors, including the type and duration of the electric current, the voltage, and the shock's pathway through the body.
In many cases, victims of electrocution sustain severe burns at the point of contact, which require immediate and specialized medical treatment. These burns can be so severe that they necessitate surgical interventions, such as skin grafts, and in extreme cases, may require amputation. It is imperative that anyone who has suffered an electric shock on an offshore platform or vessel seek prompt medical attention to address these potentially life-altering injuries.
Am I Entitled to Compensation for My Injury?
If you were injured in an accident involving electricity while working offshore, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act and other laws designed to protect injured seamen. The important thing is to contact a lawyer who can help you understand your options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, ongoing care and physical therapy, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and lost earnings, including future wages.
We Have Experience with Offshore Electrocution Cases
Our attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have proven time and time again that we can be trusted to protect offshore workers’ rights in the wake of electric accidents and other catastrophic maritime injuries. If the accident occurred because of negligence in upholding safety standards or failure to properly train the crew in handling dangerous equipment, then the employer should be held liable for the injuries. You can be confident knowing that, should you choose to work with our firm, our offshore electrocution attorneys are more than prepared to do everything that we can to help you.
Get the answers you need and the support you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.