Pursuing Workers’ Compensation After a Power Line Accident in California
Although work sites are filled with dangerous machinery and toxins, one of the deadliest construction hazards in California is right above our eyes: Power lines. Sometimes, power line accidents are due to simple mistakes. In other cases, workers come into contact with power lines due to serious safety violations. Whatever the case may be, you might be wondering how to proceed after this accident. Due to the high risk of fatality, you may also be filing a workers’ compensation claim on behalf of a deceased worker. How should you proceed? In such complex cases involving workplace accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities, seeking guidance from our team of knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys in Inland Empire becomes essential to navigate the legal intricacies and ensure fair compensation for the victim’s family and dependents.
Power Line Accidents are All Too Common in California
Unfortunately, these accidents are quite common across California. On February 23, 2024, two workers were hospitalized after coming into contact with a power line in San Jose. Both were painting contractors, and they were working on a bucket lift when one of them inadvertently hit a power line overhead. The pair were about 40 feet in the air when the accident occurred.
The worker who struck the power line was electrocuted and burned. Miraculously, he survived. The second worker seems to have been transported to a nearby hospital for purely precautionary reasons. The bucket lift could not be lowered at first – leaving both workers suspended in the air until power could finally be shut down. Once fire crews grounded all equipment and followed proper power line safety protocols, they were able to access the workers and extract them.
According to the local fire department, the injured worker suffered considerable burns across his upper body. The fire department also issued all workers a stark warning: Always stay at least 30 feet away from power lines. It is not clear why the workers were operating in such close proximity to a high-voltage line, and OSHA is currently investigating the incident.
It May Be Best to Wait Until Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
After suffering a burn injury caused by a power line, it might be best to wait until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before reaching a settlement with Workers’ Compensation. When you reach MMI, your burns will not heal any further. Until you reach this point, it is difficult to determine the true extent of your injuries – and their potential effects on your life. Navigating the complexities of a burn injury caused by a power line requires careful consideration and expert legal guidance. Consulting with our team of Inland Empire workers’ compensation attorneys can help ensure that you receive the maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses and future needs as you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
Pursuing Death Benefits
Many workers pass away after being electrocuted by power lines. If you are the worker’s spouse, child, or parent, you may be eligible to file a Workers’ Compensation claim on their behalf. You can pursue “death benefits” in this situation to help cover funeral costs, future missed wages, and unpaid medical expenses. This form of compensation may be especially crucial for widows with dependent children.
Find an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in the Inland Empire
If you have been searching for a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in the Inland Empire, look no further than the Moga Law Firm. With our assistance, you can seek the compensation you need to cover damages associated with power line accidents. If you are filing a claim on behalf of a loved one, we will help you pursue missed wages, unpaid medical expenses, and funeral costs. Call us at 909-931-2444 or book a consultation today to learn more about your next steps.
Scot Thomas Moga, a dedicated attorney in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties who represents clients in the many types of personal injury, workers’ compensation and estate planning cases.
