31-Year-Old Landscaper Electrocuted and Thrown From a 16-Foot Ladder When His Trimmer Touched a Power Line on Richwood Lane in Hauppauge
HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK (November 4, 2026) – A 31-year-old landscaper was killed in a tree trimming accident at a home on Richwood Lane in Hauppauge.
Suffolk County officials are saying that the electrocution occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The landscaper was trimming trees in the backyard of a home along Richwood Lane when he came into contact with an energized power line.
That contact caused him to become electrocuted and made him fall from the 16-foot ladder that he was perched on. First responders were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
He was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with critical injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. A full investigation by OSHA remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Hauppauge Tree Trimming Accidents
New York has specific laws governing work near energized lines. The state’s High-Voltage Proximity Act prohibits activity that brings a person within dangerous proximity of lines carrying more than 600 volts unless precautions are taken, such as de-energizing and grounding the line. The state specifically lists that any distance within 10 feet of an energized power line is a dangerous proximity. Many accidents involving falls will typically be adjudicated under Labor Law § 240(1). This is commonly referred to as the scaffold law and holds general contractors and building owners liable for gravity-related accidents. Multiple factors will typically be considered when evaluating responsibility for any workplace accident.
- Protective Equipment: Workers should be provided with adequate protective equipment if they are working in any area where there is a potential electrical hazard.
- Utility Notice: Utility companies should be given advance notice to de-energize or insulate lines to protect workers.
- Nonconductive Tools: Workers should also be provided with nonconductive ladders and poles that minimize their risk of serious injury or death.
- Hazard Training: Any person performing electrical work should be taught to recognize overhead hazards from power lines and other energized sources.
There could be several sources of potential liability for any accident where a worker is electrocuted. A general contractor could be liable for any accident where a worker fell and was injured or killed. A product manufacturer could also potentially be legally responsible if the safety equipment that they sold was defective and failed to protect a worker. In many situations, a utility company could bear some legal responsibility if they were supposed to de-energize a power line and failed to. The family of any person who died in an electrical accident at work may be able to pursue some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Electrocution Accidents in Hauppauge
We at GLK Law extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the 31-year-old landscaper killed on Richwood Lane in Hauppauge. We hope this tragedy leads landscaping companies and utilities on Long Island to take stronger steps to keep workers away from live lines. This accident raises important safety questions that need to be addressed. Why was this worker allowed to perform duties so close to such a dangerous hazard?
Do you need more information about a New York accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected through skilled advocacy. Workers should never have to fear being seriously injured or killed to provide for themselves and their family. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
