Up To $109 Million Can Be Awarded For Power Line Injuries

Power lines are a normal part of life that we don’t usually think about. But sometimes, they turn deadly. 

Power line accidents are no joke. According to statistics, electrical hazards cause more than 300 deaths and 4,000 injuries each year among US workers. Electrocution, quite shockingly, is the sixth most common cause of workplace death in America. 

And part of these statistics involve overhead power lines. 

These thick wires run all over the country, and carry anywhere from 155,000 to 765,000 volts of power. They’re used for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy across large distances, and help to keep the power ‘on’ for literally millions of homes and businesses. 

But when accidents happen, this extreme voltage can quickly turn dangerous. And in such cases, financial compensation in the form of lawsuits and settlements may be possible. 

How Much Money Is Awarded For Powerline Injury Lawsuits?

In December of 2012, one of the most infamous personal injury cases involving a high-voltage line took place in Pennsylvania. A 39-year-old woman was killed when a power line fell across her front yard. 

There was no inclement weather going on at the time of the incident, and so it couldn’t be blamed on meteorological factors. The incident itself took place in 2009. The line fell directly upon the victim, shocking her and burning her as her two young children looked on in helpless horror. The family sued the local power maintenance company for failing to properly maintain the lines.

The lawsuit won a $109 million trial jury verdict.  

But this isn’t the only case of its kind to win a substantial amount. 

The fact of the matter is that power lines are incredibly dangerous. And when accidents happen, it’s important to investigate whether or not negligence may have been involved. 

If negligence or wrongdoing can be proven, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your pain, suffering, damages, and loss. 

How To Get Started On Your Powerline Injury Case

Getting started on your case is actually pretty simple. 

The first step is to seek whatever medical assistance is required. Your health and safety should always be the first order of business. 

After this, the next most important thing to do is to reach out and speak with an attorney. 

A certified, experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in high voltage powerline incidents can help you to figure out if you have an actual case on your hands. Your lawyer can also advise you as to what steps you should take to ensure a successful payout. 

What Do You Need To Bring To Your Consultation?

If you have any documentation pertaining to the case, it’s helpful to give it to your attorney as quickly as possible. This could mean:

• Medical files
• Expenses
• Photographs
• A record of lost wages
• Any other evidence you can gather

Of course, if you’re not sure what information you’ll need, your lawyer can help you assemble it. You’ll doubtlessly receive a list of things that you’ll need to build your case, and your attorney can help you to walk through the process of getting it started. 

What If You Can’t Afford An Attorney? 

Most personal injury attornies who take cases like this work on a ‘contingency fee’ basis. 

In such cases, you generally don’t have to pay the lawyer until the case is actually won. 

Lawyers who work this way usually work with a ‘no win, no fee’ guarantee. This means that it doesn’t cost anything to reach out and see if you may have a case.