Investigation Underway After Construction Workers Electrocuted While Moving Ladder That Contacted Power Line
MARGATE, NEW JERSEY (January 26, 2025) – Two roofers were electrocuted during a Margate construction project as they were attempting to move a ladder.
Jersey Shore officials are saying that the incident took place on Wednesday. The two workers were moving an extension ladder when it reportedly came into contact with power lines.
The power lines energized the ladder with 72,000 V of electricity. Paramedics and police officers were called to the scene in order to help the victims.
The workers were given CPR and transported to a local hospital. An investigation into the Margate electrocution remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Workplace Electrocution Accidents
Electrocutions are one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, “In the United States, there are approximately 1000 deaths per year, as a result of electrical injuries. Of these, approximately 400 are due to high-voltage electrical injuries, and lightning causes 50 to 300. There are also at least 30,000 shock incidents per year that are non-fatal.” There are a number of steps that employers should take to prevent electrocutions.
- Employers should identify all potential electrical hazards in the workplace.
- Employers should provide their workers training to spot electrical hazards.
- Employers should install and maintain ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Employers should provide their workers with personal protective equipment designed to prevent electric shock.
When a worker is injured on the job, they will typically have recourse through the worker’s compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance system designed to help them. It doesn’t matter who was at fault for any incident. In addition to workers compensation, an injured worker may be able to receive aid through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for any instance where a worker is electrocuted by power lines.
- A utility company could potentially be at fault for failing to properly maintain power lines.
- A contractor or subcontractor could be liable for failing to provide workers with personal protective equipment.
- The company that manufactured some piece of tool that came in contact with the power line could also be held at fault.
The vast majority of accidents and injuries involving power lines are completely preventable. They tend to happen when safety regulations are not being followed. Sadly, though, companies will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if someone is injured by a powerline. It is important for workers to understand that they do have legal options. Any worker injured in an electrocution should contact legal assistance as soon as they can.
Investigating Jersey Shore Electrocutions
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the two workers injured in this Margate electrocution. It is our sincere hope that they are able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Margate electrocution accident? You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Our team of electrocution accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
