Attorney
Electrocutions remain one of the leading causes of death for construction workers. Between one hundred and two hundred workers die each year in electrical accidents. Construction workers are at risk any time they work near live wires or power lines. Overhead power lines typically injure or kill the most construction workers each year compared to other causes of electrical accidents. If dangerous work conditions have harmed you or a loved one, a Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer can help you hold negligent parties responsible.
An electrical accident severely injured a DC construction worker in the northeast area of the district on 3rd Street. The 30-year-old-man was working in a trench when his construction vehicle touched overhead power lines, which energized the vehicle, shocking and burning the man. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom when the vehicle touched the lines. DC fire responders rushed the man to the hospital with severe, life-threatening electrical burns.
Anyone working near live electrical or power lines needs to adhere to safety guidelines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends at least 2 feet of distance from power lines less than 300 volts, 10 feet for 300 volts to 50,000 volts and 10 feet plus an additional 4 inches for every 10,000 volts that lines are over 50,000 volts. Ideally, workers should check with utility companies in advance to have them de-energize or at least insulate live power lines.
If workplace dangers have harmed you, contact William P. Lightfoot, a Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.