Duke Energy Contractor Killed, Two Injured in Seminole Electrical Shock Incident: Wrongful Death and Workplace Injury Claims

A tragic workplace accident in Seminole, Florida has left one Duke Energy contractor dead and two others injured following an electrical shock incident on Tuesday afternoon. According to local news reports, the workers were in the area of Park Boulevard North and 85th Lane when the accident occurred.

Deputies responded to an electrical hazard call just before 2:00 p.m. Investigators say three workers were shocked while performing electrical work. One worker was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to a nearby hospital. Their current condition has not been released.

Power outages affected roughly 14,000 customers in the area following the incident. Duke Energy contractors had been working to restore service at the time.

In a public statement, Duke Energy expressed condolences, stating:

“We are saddened by the tragic incident that happened today in Pinellas County involving Duke Energy contractors. Our hearts go out to them, their family, communities and co-workers. The safety of our employees, contractors and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy.”

Electrical work, especially on high-voltage utility lines, carries significant risk. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electrocution is one of the “Fatal Four” causes of death for workers in the construction and utility industries. Common causes include:

• Contact with overhead or underground power lines.
• Failure to properly de-energize and lock out systems before work.
• Defective equipment or inadequate protective gear.
• Unsafe worksite conditions or insufficient safety training.

Because electrical injuries can cause instant, fatal harm, strict adherence to OSHA and industry safety standards is critical. When contractors or employees are injured or killed due to unsafe conditions, Florida law provides several potential avenues for recovery.

Wrongful Death Claims in Contractor Fatality Cases

If an investigation reveals that the fatal electrocution resulted from negligence, whether due to unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or failure to follow safety protocols, the surviving family of the deceased worker may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for:

• Loss of financial support and services provided by the deceased.
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying family members.
• Funeral and burial expenses.

Potential Liability for Electrical Shock Incidents

Determining who may be liable in an incident like this requires a thorough investigation into:

• Worksite Safety Compliance – Were all OSHA and industry safety standards followed?
• Equipment Maintenance – Was the electrical equipment or protective gear defective?
• Third-Party Negligence – Did another contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer contribute to the unsafe conditions?
• Training and Supervision – Were workers adequately trained and supervised for the high-risk task they were performing?

If negligence by Duke Energy, a subcontractor, or another third party is found to have caused or contributed to the fatality, they could be held liable in a civil lawsuit.

Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims

For employees, workers’ compensation typically provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits to dependents, regardless of fault. However, workers’ compensation generally does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

In cases involving independent contractors or where a third party (such as an equipment manufacturer) contributed to the accident, victims or their families may be able to pursue a third-party personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to recover broader damages.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling complex workplace injury and wrongful death cases, including those involving electrocution and utility worksite incidents. We handle cases statewide, and our clients never pay legal fees unless we secure compensation on their behalf.