Illinois Electrocution Accident Lawyers

5-Star Rated Attorneys for Victims of Electric Shock Throughout Illinois

Electrocution accidents are among the most devastating and preventable types of injuries we encounter in our legal practice. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the life-altering impact that electrical shock injuries can have on victims and their families. These incidents often occur suddenly—on construction sites, in the workplace, or even in the home—and can result in severe burns, cardiac arrest, permanent neurological damage, or wrongful death. Tragically, many electrocution accidents happen because of someone’s negligence, whether it’s an employer failing to follow safety protocols, a property owner ignoring electrical hazards, or a manufacturer producing a dangerously defective product.

With decades of experience representing accident victims across Illinois, our construction accident attorneys are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable and securing full and fair compensation for those affected. If you or a loved one has suffered from an electrocution accident, we are here to help you understand your legal rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

What Is Electrocution?

Electrocution refers to injury or death caused by electric shock due to exposure to a high-voltage electrical current. The severity of injuries depends on several factors, including:

• Voltage level
• Duration of contact
• Type of current (AC vs. DC)
• Path of current through the body
• Moisture and conductivity of the environment

Electrocution injuries can be fatal or result in permanent physical and neurological damage.

Electrocution Accident Statistics

Electrical injuries are a major cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in the United States. The data highlights how common and dangerous these accidents are:

• There were 166 workplace electrocution deaths in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Electrocution accounted for 4.2% of all occupational fatalities in 2022.
• The construction industry accounted for over 50% of all electrocution deaths annually.
• According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, non-fatal electrical injuries resulted in approximately 2,220 cases requiring days away from work in 2022.
• A 2023 Electrical Safety Foundation International Report estimated that between 2011 and 2022, 1,322 U.S. workers died from contact with electricity.

Children and the elderly are also vulnerable. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that around 400 deaths and 4,000 injuries occur each year due to electrocution in the home, often involving defective appliances, exposed wiring, or misuse of electrical outlets.

Common Causes of Electrocution Accidents

1. Construction Site Hazards

Construction workers are frequently exposed to live wires, faulty equipment, or contact with overhead power lines.

Common violations include:

• Failure to de-energize electrical systems before work
• Inadequate grounding
• Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Improper use of extension cords and generators

2. Defective Products

Consumers may be electrocuted by defective:

• Hairdryers
• Kitchen appliances
• Power tools
• Charging devices

These cases may result in product liability claims against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.

3. Unsafe Premises

Electrocution on commercial or residential property can result from:

• Exposed wiring
• Malfunctioning lighting systems
• Improper maintenance

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for guests, visitors, and workers under Illinois premises liability law.

4. Power Line Contact

Direct contact with downed power lines or accidental contact during outdoor work (e.g., using ladders or cranes) often leads to fatal outcomes.

In many cases, utility companies or contractors may be held responsible for negligence in failing to secure or properly mark dangerous areas.

Injuries Caused by Electrocution

Electrocution can affect nearly every system in the body. Electrocution injuries vary depending on the voltage and path of current but may include:

1. Burns

Electrical burns can be both external and internal, often requiring skin grafts, amputation, or reconstructive surgery. According to the American Burn Association, electrical burns account for approximately 4% of all burn center admissions.

2. Cardiac Arrest

Electricity can disrupt the heart’s rhythm, leading to fatal arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation.

3. Neurological Damage

Victims may suffer neurological damage including:

• Nerve damage
• Cognitive impairment
• Seizures
• Paralysis

Long-term rehabilitation may be required, and some damage is irreversible.

4. Musculoskeletal Injuries

Violent muscle contractions during electric shock can cause broken bones, dislocations, or spinal injuries.

5. Respiratory and Organ Failure

Electrical current passing through the chest or head can damage lungs or brain function, often resulting in life-long disability or coma.

Liability in Electrocution Accidents

Determining liability in an electrocution case requires a thorough investigation. Several parties may be legally responsible, including:

Employer Liability

Employers are required under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. OSHA regulations specifically cover electrical systems, lockout/tagout procedures, and PPE.

When an employer fails to meet these standards, they may be held accountable, especially in cases involving gross negligence or willful violations.

Product Liability

If an electrocution is caused by a defective or dangerously designed product, the manufacturer may be held strictly liable. This includes:

• Design defects
• Manufacturing defects
• Failure to warn or provide instructions

Premises Liability

Landowners and property managers can be held liable if a dangerous electrical hazard existed on the premises and the hazard was known—or should have been known—but not addressed.

Under Illinois law, business owners owe a duty of reasonable care to visitors on their property.

Utility Company Negligence

Power companies must inspect and maintain power lines and transformers. If they fail to respond to known hazards (e.g., a downed wire) or install safety systems, they may be held liable.

Wrongful Death from Electrocution

Tragically, many electrocution incidents result in death. Surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim in Illinois under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/).

Damages for a fatal electrocution accident may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death (through a survival action)

What to Do After an Electrocution Accident

If you or a loved one has been electrocuted, it’s essential to take the following steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even minor symptoms can indicate internal injuries or cardiac issues.
2. Report the Incident: Whether at work, a store, or someone’s home, file a formal report. OSHA should be notified for workplace incidents.
3. Preserve Evidence: Take photographs of the scene, identify witnesses, and document the conditions.
4. Contact an Experienced Illinois Electrocution Injury Lawyer: Electrocution cases often involve multiple liable parties and complex technical evidence. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and secure the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for Electrocution Injuries

Victims of electrocution accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical bills (hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Punitive damages (in cases of egregious negligence)

If the incident occurred on the job, a workers’ compensation claim may be filed, though third-party negligence can still be pursued in civil court for additional damages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Electrocution Accidents

How long do I have to file an electrocution injury claim in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the statute of limitations is also two years from the date of death.

Can I sue my employer if I was electrocuted at work?

While workers’ compensation is the primary remedy, you may be able to sue third parties (e.g., contractors, manufacturers, property owners) whose negligence contributed to the accident.

Do I need an expert witness in an electrocution case?

Yes, you will most likely need an expert. Electrical engineers, safety experts, and medical professionals often testify in electrocution cases to establish causation, liability, and damages.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault, though your damages will be reduced accordingly.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates For Your Electrocution Accident Case?

At John J. Malm & Associates,we have over 90 years of combined experience representing victims of electrical injuries and wrongful death in Illinois. We work with leading experts to investigate causes of electrocution, document injuries, and hold negligent parties accountable.

Our team has successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and has earned a reputation for compassion, diligence, and results.

“Electrocution injuries often change lives in an instant. At John J. Malm & Associates, we make it our mission to ensure that victims and their families are not left to bear the physical, emotional, and financial burdens alone. We hold negligent parties accountable—and we don’t back down.” — John J. Malm, Naperville electrocution accident lawyer

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Electrocution Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an electrocution accident, don’t face the legal system alone. Contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation today. Our award-winning Illinois construction accident attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve. Call us now at 844-MALMLAW or (630) 527-4177 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We have offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles and offer virtual consultations as well. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.