Power Line Injuries
Electricity is what powers all of the incredible technologies that we now take for granted. That electricity is still delivered to our homes and businesses much the same way it has for generations. Power lines carry the electricity from the power plants to the places the electricity is needed. Every year people are injured in power line accidents. People suffering power line injuries may be entitled to compensation.
Types of Power Line Injuries
Power lines can cause several different serious injuries. The lines themselves are often not insulated and depending on the line can actually be quite heavy. Here are some of the common types of power line injuries:
- Electrocution
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Death
If a power line has hurt you or a loved one, it is essential that you get medical help right away. Even if you believe that you suffered no serious injuries, you could have significant internal injuries that you are not aware of. The sooner you get to the doctor the better your chances are of making a full recovery.
Going to see the doctor also provides solid documentation of your injury and that the power line caused it. This documentation could be very important to any injury claim later on.
How People Get Hurt by Power Lines
Power lines are so common, we rarely pay any attention to them, even though they are often strung over our roadways and even our driveways. Contractors and utilities are under strict regulations. These regulations govern how the lines are hung and how often they should be inspected. But, sometimes these companies don’t follow the rules.
Power lines hurt people when they fall down because they weren’t inspected or installed properly. Sometimes the lines fall down in storms, but shouldn’t have fallen down if they the companies in charge had followed the rules.
A power line can hurt you even without touching the line. If the line is live and you are standing close enough that the electricity can arc to your body, you can still be electrocuted.
What if You Were on the Job?
Sometimes a power line hurts you while you are on the job. Typically, you will be covered by worker’s compensation when you are hurt on the job. Worker’s compensation does not require that you prove your employer was at fault before you can recover, but it also prevents you from suing your employer or recovering any pain and suffering damages.
Many times workers are hurt on the job; the power line caused injury by a third party, such as a contractor. In most states you can sue the negligent third party for additional damages beyond what you can recover from worker’s compensation.
Handling multiple claims can be tricky. Make sure that you consult with a lawyer before you make any kind of claim, even a worker’s compensation claim.
Power Line Injuries in Your Neighborhood
When a power line falls down in your neighborhood, the power company is required to respond as soon it knows about the hazard. Some power line injuries happen after the power company should have already dealt with the hazard.
Contractors and utilities carry liability insurance. When you have been hurt in your neighborhood by a power line and you want to make a claim, you will be dealing with the insurance company for the companies.
Some of the defenses that the insurance companies use are that the accident was an act of God and not the fault of the company or that you were at fault for the accident too because you should have stayed away from the power line.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Insurance companies are experts are handling claims for as little as possible. They are not in the business of paying out more money than they absolutely have to. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you deal with all of the roadblocks that insurance companies try and put up to keep you from getting the compensation you are legally entitled to.
A personal injury lawyer can also help you find out whom to make a claim with in the first place. Sometimes power companies and contractors will both blame each other for negligent installation or maintenance of the power lines. It is important that your claim is made against the correct party.
If you or a loved one has suffered power line injuries, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. We can help you find a lawyer with experience handling power line injury claims. The sooner you contact us the sooner we can connect with a lawyer who can evaluate your claim and help you protect your rights. Call today, time may be running out for you to make a claim.
