Electrocution

NYC Lawyers Helping Firefighters Seek Compensation For Electrocution Injuries

Considering that firefighters regularly enter distressed buildings, the incidence of electrocution injury and death is remarkably low. The National Fire Protection Association reports that only one percent of firefighter fatalities results from exposure to electricity. However, this is little comfort to those firefighters and their families who must cope with the catastrophic effects of an accidental electrocution. At Barasch & McGarry, our attorneys work tirelessly for injured firefighters and their families. If you are suffering because of another person’s negligence or legal violation, we will fight to obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible.

I want to personally thank you and your whole law firm collectively for the unwavering devotion and professionalism to not only me, but the entire fire dept. family. The compassion and deep concerns I experienced by each and every one of your staff can not measure my sincere appreciation. It rivals the dedication we have of honor and duty.

P.O.
Retired Firefighter

Physical Effects Of Electrical Injury

Firefighters must navigate a wide number of electrical hazards, including exposed, live wires inside a burning building; overhead power lines above the building or along the street where a fire’s being fought; and downed power lines that are still energized; all compounded by the danger that an errant stream of water may contact electrical equipment. Electrocution can result from:

• Physical contact with a source of current
• Physical contact with a conductor, such as electrically charged water
• Arcing of electric currents through the air

Depending on the strength of the current, a firefighter may suffer:

• Brain injury
• Shock
• Surface burns
• Electrical burns to internal organs
• Cardiac arrest

When electrocution results in catastrophic injury or death, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident to determine the party or parties responsible.

Liability For Firefighter Electrocution Injury

Because the human body is an effective conductor of electricity, a firefighter’s personal protective equipment is designed to insulate the body from sources of current. If the firefighter’s exposure to current is due to a defect in the equipment, the firefighter may have grounds for:

• Products liability suit against the equipment manufacturer
• Negligence lawsuit against the department for violating New York State Labor Law 27-a, which requires the department to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause injury or death

If the exposure was due to faulty wiring in the building, the firefighter could sue under:

• General Municipal Law § 205-a — If the faulty wiring violated a safety regulation
• General Obligations Law § 11-106 — If the defect was due to landlord negligence

Finally, the firefighter might have a suit against the department, if a violation of an immutable rule of firefighting exposed the firefighter to danger of electrocution. Once liability for the injury is clear, our attorneys fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

For Serious And Fatal Electrical Injuries, Contact Our NYC Firefighter Lawyers

For firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty, Barasch & McGarry has a proven record of positive results. Schedule a free consultation so you can speak with one of our knowledgeable and concerned attorneys.