Miami Electrocution Lawyer

Our Lawyers Will Fight For Compensation After an Electrocution Accident or Death in Miami, FL

Electrocution accidents are unfortunately common, and they typically lead to severe injuries or even death. Many times, these accidents are avoidable and occur due to another person or company’s negligence. An electrocution can happen for various reasons including defective products, exposed wires, or lack of workplace safety. People who work around electricity are more vulnerable to electrocution accidents, including electricians, power line workers, construction workers, contractors and roofers. 

If you or a family member was injured in an electrocution accident in Miami, Florida, contact our attorneys to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and other expenses. Our law firm exclusively focuses on personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. We purposely limit the number of cases we take on, allowing us to give personalized attention to each client including direct contact with an attorney when needed. 

Contact a Miami electrocution lawyer for a free consultation by calling 305-638-4143 or completing our online form. 

What Are The Effects of an Electrocution?

Electrocution can have severe consequences for the human body. Beyond the immediate shock, the effects of electrocution are complex and can lead to a range of injuries, both visible and hidden. 

Immediate Effects:

• Muscle Contractions: When the body is exposed to an electric current, muscles may contract involuntarily, causing the victim to be thrown back or lose control of their movements.
• Cardiac Disturbances: Electric shocks can interfere with the heart’s normal rhythm, potentially leading to cardiac arrest. The severity depends on factors such as the voltage and duration of exposure.
• Burns and Tissue Damage: High-voltage electrocution can cause burns at the point of contact with electricity. Internal tissues may also be damaged due to the heat generated during the electrical flow.

Neurological Impact:

• Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects: Electrical shocks can disrupt the normal functioning of the central nervous system. This can result in neurological symptoms, ranging from confusion and memory loss to seizures.
• Long-term Cognitive Effects: In cases of severe electrocution, individuals may experience long-term cognitive effects, including difficulties with concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function.

Internal Injuries:

• Organ Damage: Electric current passing through the body can affect internal organs, leading to complications such as kidney damage or respiratory distress.
• Compartment Syndrome: In some cases, electrocution can cause compartment syndrome, a condition where increased pressure within the muscles leads to reduced blood flow, potentially causing long-term damage.

Psychological Impact:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors of electrocution may develop PTSD, experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety related to the traumatic event.
• Emotional Distress: The psychological toll of electrocution extends beyond the physical. Individuals may grapple with fear, depression, and a heightened sense of vulnerability.

Delayed Effects:

• Secondary Injuries: Complications arising from the initial electrocution, such as infections from burns, can contribute to delayed health issues.
• Chronic Pain: Survivors may experience chronic pain, often related to nerve damage caused by the electrical shock.

Electrocution Accident Statistics

According to The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI), exposure to electricity is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 1,653 electrical fatalities between 2011 and 2021. Out of these fatalities, 1,201 were work related.  During this period, 69% of all electrically related deaths happened in non electrically related occupations. 

The top 10 occupations involved in electrical deaths were: 

• Electricians – 16%
• Laborers (Excluding Construction) – 10%
• Construction Workers – 9%
• Electrical Power Installers & Repairers – 8.5%
• Tree Trimming Occupations – 5%
• Electrician Apprentice – 3%
• Heating, AC, & Refrigeration Mechanics – 3%
• Painters & Maintenance – 3%
• Roofers – 2%
• Truck Drivers – 2%

Some of the top causes of electrical fatalities in the workplace include:

• Overhead powerline contact
• Unexpected contact with energy
• Working on energized parts
• Damaged wiring or equipment
• Troubleshooting / testing
• Worker error
• Underground power lines
• Improper installation

Common Electrocution Accidents in Florida

• Workplace Electrocutions: Faulty wiring, inadequate safety measures, and improper equipment maintenance can all contribute to electrocution accidents in the workplace. Our electrocution attorneys specialize in workplace injury cases, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
• Overhead Power Lines: One common source of electrocution accidents in Florida is contact with overhead power lines. Whether it’s during construction, maintenance work, or simply in the course of daily activities, individuals can inadvertently come into contact with high-voltage lines. The proximity of power lines to residential areas, combined with routine activities like tree trimming, makes it a prevalent risk, as demonstrated by the alarming statistics from utility companies like Florida Power & Light.
• Construction Site Incidents: Miami’s skyline is always evolving with construction projects shaping the city’s future. However, the construction industry is notorious for its inherent risks, with electrocution accidents ranking high on the list. Our electrocution attorneys represent construction workers injured due to electrical hazards, defective tools, or negligence on the job.
• Residential Electrocutions: Electrical faults, defective products, or inadequate installations can lead to electrocution accidents within homes in Florida. Whether you’re a tenant or a homeowner, our electrocution attorneys are here to help you understand your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries.
• Stormy Weather: Miami is no stranger to thunderstorms and hurricanes, and these weather events can significantly elevate the risk of electrocution. Downed power lines, submerged electrical equipment, and damaged infrastructure create hazardous conditions.
• DIY Electrical Work: In the quest for home improvement, some Floridians may attempt do-it-yourself electrical work without the necessary expertise. Unintentional mistakes, such as faulty wiring or inadequate grounding, can lead to serious consequences. It’s crucial for homeowners to recognize their limitations and seek professional help for electrical projects to ensure safety.

FPL Power Line Accidents

During a span of 13 years leading up to 2020, Florida Power & Light (FPL) documented a staggering 118 fatalities resulting from contact with its power lines or equipment. This figure is almost double the combined total of all other electric companies in Florida according to an investigation by the Tampa Bay Times. The records reveal not only the alarming fatality rate but also hundreds of other individuals enduring life-altering injuries from electrical accidents during this period. 

Covering an extensive service area from South Florida to Manatee County and parts of Central Florida, the company’s statistics are alarming compared to its counterparts in the state. FPL is the third largest power company in the United States based on the number of customers served.

Disturbingly, over half of the reported deaths occurred in residential areas, where individuals unknowingly came into contact with power lines while handling tree limbs or clearing vegetation. Despite serving a customer base similar in size to other utility companies in Florida, Florida Power & Light stands out with approximately six times the number of fatalities associated with individuals touching or trimming vegetation. These deaths mostly included maintenance workers hired by residents, or people picking fruit from trees.  FPL publishes information about powerline safety on its website here.

As advocates for those who have suffered due to electrocution incidents, our attorneys seek compensation for victims and their families. Holding utility companies accountable for maintaining safe infrastructure and implementing effective safety protocols is essential in preventing further tragedies. The disturbing disparity in FPL’s statistics compared to other power companies in the state underscores the importance of legal intervention to address potential negligence or shortcomings in safety practices.

FPL Powerline Anatomy

On most neighborhood power lines there are two wires that run overhead parallel to each other.  The highest wire from the ground is the  primary line.  This carries high voltage electricity from the power substation to the neighborhood. This powerline is electrified with a voltage that can kill.  Below that, the second highest line from the ground is the neutral line.  This carries power back to the substation and balances the lines.  Typically, below the neutral line is your telephone and internet lines – low voltage lines. 

It is important to remember that even coming within ten feet of your power lines can cause you to be electrocuted and injured or killed.  Consult the following resources for more information about FPL power lines. FPL also publishes its standards for home service lines online here.

FPL publishes a poster regarding powerline safety here.  FPL also publishes a very helpful flow of electricity through the grid poster here.

Who is Liable for an Electrocution Accident in Florida?

Liability in electrocution accidents is contingent upon establishing negligence or a breach of duty on the part of one or more parties. The following entities are commonly held liable in electrocution cases:

• Property Owners: Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment. If an electrocution occurs on their premises due to faulty wiring, inadequate warning signs, or other electrical hazards, they may be held liable.
• Employers: In workplace electrocution incidents, employers bear a significant responsibility to ensure a safe working environment. Failure to adhere to safety regulations, provide proper training, or maintain electrical equipment can lead to employer liability.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: Construction sites are notorious for electrical risks. General contractors and subcontractors must uphold safety standards, and if negligence in electrical work leads to an accident, they may be held accountable.
• Utility Companies: If the electrocution is linked to negligence on the part of a utility company, such as improper maintenance of power lines or equipment, the utility company may be held liable.  This includes FPL’s obligation to maintain the trees around powerlines.  If a tree comes into contact with a powerline, the tree can become electrified and cause injury or death to anyone who touches it. The recent investigation into Florida Power & Light’s electrocution statistics highlights the potential liability of utility companies.
• Manufacturers: In cases involving faulty electrical equipment or products, the manufacturers may be held responsible for the injuries or fatalities resulting from their defective products.
• Municipalities: Municipalities are responsible for maintaining public spaces. If an electrocution occurs due to poorly maintained public infrastructure, such as streetlights or electrical boxes, the municipality may face liability.

Electrocution Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death occurs when a person loses their life due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. In the context of electrocution accidents, these cases often involve a thorough investigation to determine liability and establish that the death was a direct result of another party’s negligence. Our Miami wrongful death lawyers understand the profound impact of electrocution tragedies on families. We provide guidance and legal support for families after the loss of a loved one as we help them seek compensation for their loss. With a wrongful death case, surviving family members may obtain compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income, loss of services, loss of companionship, parental guidance, support, and other expenses.

Contact our Miami wrongful death attorneys at 305-638-4143 if you lost a loved one due to an electrocution accident. Learn more about wrongful death cases here. 

Contact Our Miami Electrocution Lawyers For a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has experienced the devastating consequences of an electrocution accident, Flanagan & Bodenheimer is here to offer compassionate and dedicated legal representation. Our team understands the profound impact these tragedies have on families, and we are committed to seeking justice on your behalf.

While our main offices are located in Hollywood, FL and Coral Gables, FL, we accept clients throughout the entire State of Florida. We offer our legal services to clients throughout all of South Florida including Miami, Coral Gables, Kendall, Brickell, Hialeah, Aventura, Homestead, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and other areas. We handle a wide range of personal injury cases in Miami-Dade County including medical malpractice, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and more. Our firm also handles personal injury cases in Broward County including car accidents, trucking accidents, wrongful death, and other incidents that lead to serious injuries.

Contact us at 305-638-4143 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we secure compensation for you.