Electric Shock At Work Claims - How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

If you've suffered an electric shock at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation from your employer. In this guide, we'll explain the legal framework that governs electric shock at work claims, the steps you should take to protect your rights, and the types of compensation you can seek. We will also explore how much compensation you might be able to claim against your employer.

The Legal Framework for Electric Shock Claims

The legal framework for electric shock claims is based on the principle of employer's liability. This means that employers have a duty of care towards their employees to provide a safe working environment, including safe equipment and procedures. If an employer breaches this duty of care and you suffer harm as a result, you may have a legal right to claim compensation. To make a successful claim, you need to establish that:

• You were owed a duty of care by your employer
• Your employer breached that duty of care
• You suffered harm as a result of the breach
• The harm was foreseeable and not too remote

Electric Shock Claims

Steps to Protect Your Rights

If you've suffered an electric shock at work, you should take the following steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, you should get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some electric shock injuries may not manifest immediately and can be serious or even life-threatening.
2. Report the incident: You should report the incident to your employer as soon as possible, ideally in writing, and keep a copy of the report for your records. Your employer should have an accident book or reporting system in place.
3. Gather evidence: You should gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim, such as witness statements, photographs, and medical reports. This can help establish the cause and extent of your injury and the negligence of your employer.
4. Seek legal advice: You should seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor who specializes in personal injury claims. They can assess the strength of your claim, guide you through the claims process, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Types of Compensation

If you succeed in your claim for electric shock compensation, you may be awarded two types of compensation:

1. General damages: This is compensation for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injury. The amount awarded depends on the severity and duration of your injury and is assessed by medical experts.
2. Special damages: This is compensation for the financial losses you have suffered as a result of your injury, such as loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs, and care costs. You need to provide evidence of these losses to support your claim.

The Legal Stance for Electric Shock Claims At Work

The legal framework for electric shock claims is based on the principle of employer's liability. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty of care towards their employees to provide a safe working environment. This includes ensuring that electrical equipment and systems are properly installed, maintained and used safely. If an employer breaches this duty of care and you suffer an electric shock injury as a result, you may have a legal right to claim compensation. To succeed in your claim, you need to establish that your employer was negligent in some way, such as failing to provide adequate training, supervision or equipment, and that this negligence caused your injury.

Understanding Your Rights as an Employee

As an employee, you have a legal right to work in a safe and healthy environment. Your employer has a duty of care to take reasonable steps to ensure that you are not exposed to any unnecessary risk of harm. If you suffer an electric shock injury at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation from your employer. It's important to remember that claiming compensation is not about getting revenge or punishing your employer. It's about seeking justice and compensation for the harm you have suffered. By making a claim, you can also help prevent similar accidents from happening in the future by holding your employer accountable for their actions.

Steps to Take If You've Suffered an Electric Shock at Work

If you've suffered an electric shock at work, your first priority should be to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, there may be underlying injuries that could worsen over time. You should also report the incident to your employer as soon as possible, ideally in writing, and keep a copy of the report for your records. Gathering evidence to support your claim is also important. This may include taking photographs of the scene of the accident, gathering witness statements from colleagues who saw what happened, and obtaining medical reports to document the extent and severity of your injuries.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim

To make a successful claim for electric shock compensation, you need to provide evidence that your employer was negligent and that this negligence caused your injury. This can be challenging, as employers and their insurers may try to dispute or minimise your claim. To strengthen your case, you should gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This may include:

• Witness statements from colleagues who saw what happened
• Photographs of the scene of the accident
• Medical reports from your doctor or hospital
• Documentation of any safety procedures or equipment that were not followed or provided

Seeking Legal Advice for Personal Injury Claims

If you're considering making a claim for electric shock compensation, it's important to seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims. They can assess the strength of your claim, guide you through the claims process, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Your solicitor can also help you understand your legal rights and obligations, including any time limits for making a claim, and the types of compensation you may be entitled to. They can also advise you on the potential costs and risks involved in making a claim.

Types of Compensation You Can Seek for Electric Shock Claims

If you succeed in your claim for electric shock compensation, you may be awarded two types of compensation:

• General damages: This is compensation for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injury. The amount awarded depends on the severity and duration of your injury and is assessed by medical experts.
• Special damages: This is compensation for the financial losses you have suffered as a result of your injury, such as loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs, and care costs. You need to provide evidence of these losses to support your claim, such as receipts and invoices.

Negotiating a Fair Settlement for Your Claim

If you've made a claim for electric shock compensation, you may be able to negotiate a settlement with your employer or their insurer. This involves reaching a mutually acceptable agreement on the amount of compensation you will receive. Your solicitor can help you negotiate a fair settlement by:

• Calculating the amount of compensation you are entitled to based on your injuries and losses
• Presenting the evidence you have gathered to support your claim
• Explaining the legal principles and case law that apply to your case
• Making a reasonable offer of settlement to the other party
• Negotiating with the other party to reach a fair and reasonable settlement

If you are unable to reach a settlement through negotiation, you may need to take your case to court. This can be a lengthy and costly process, and there are risks involved, such as the possibility of losing your case or not receiving the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim compensation for an electric shock at work even if I wasn't seriously injured?

Yes, you can still claim compensation even if you weren't seriously injured. You may be entitled to compensation for any pain, discomfort, and inconvenience you experienced as a result of the electric shock, as well as any financial losses you suffered, such as time off work or medical expenses.

What should I do if my employer denies liability for my electric shock injury?

If your employer denies liability for your electric shock injury, you should seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims. They can help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with your employer or their insurer to reach a fair settlement.

Is there a time limit for making a claim for electric shock compensation?

Yes, there is a time limit for making a claim for electric shock compensation. In most cases, you need to make a claim within three years of the date of the accident or the date you became aware of your injury. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you were under 18 at the time of the accident or if you have a mental disability that prevents you from making a claim within the time limit. It's important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you don't miss any deadlines.

Case Study 1: Electric Shock Injury in a Warehouse

Background

Mr. Smith worked in a busy warehouse as a picker and packer. He was responsible for moving stock around the warehouse and packing items for delivery. One day, while using an electric pallet truck, he received a severe electric shock when the truck made contact with a live wire that was dangling from the ceiling.

Outcome

Mr. Smith suffered serious injuries to his arms and chest, including burns and nerve damage. He was unable to work for several weeks and required extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physiotherapy. He also suffered from anxiety and depression as a result of the accident. Mr. Smith made a claim for electric shock compensation against his employer, arguing that they had breached their duty of care by failing to maintain and inspect the electrical equipment in the warehouse. His employer initially denied liability but eventually agreed to settle the claim for £32,000.

Case Study 2: Electric Shock Injury on a Construction Site

Background

Ms. Jones was working on a construction site as a labourer. She was responsible for moving materials around the site and assisting with various tasks. One day, while using a faulty power tool, she received an electric shock that caused her to fall from a ladder and injure her back.

Outcome

Ms. Jones suffered a serious back injury as a result of the accident, which required extensive medical treatment and left her unable to work for several months. She also suffered from psychological trauma and anxiety as a result of the accident. Ms. Jones made a claim for electric shock compensation against her employer, arguing that they had breached their duty of care by failing to provide safe equipment and proper training. Her employer initially denied liability but eventually agreed to settle the claim for £42,000. The settlement included compensation for her pain and suffering, loss of earnings, and future care costs.

How Much Can You Claim For Electric Shock Injury Claims?

Type of Injury	Average Compensation Amounts
Minor electric shock injuries with full recovery within a few days	£1,000 - £2,000
Moderate electric shock injuries with full recovery within a few weeks	£2,000 - £6,000
Severe electric shock injuries with long-term or permanent effects	£6,000 - £15,000
Electric shock injuries resulting in serious burns or neurological damage	£15,000 - £40,000
Electric shock injuries resulting in amputation or paralysis	£40,000 - £100,000+

The compensation amounts listed in the table are general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Factors that can influence the amount of compensation awarded include the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim's life, and the financial losses incurred as a result of the injury. It's also worth noting that the compensation amounts listed in the table do not include any additional damages that may be awarded, such as loss of earnings, medical expenses, and travel costs. These can add up to significant amounts and should be taken into account when calculating the total compensation amount.

How Free Legal Justice Can Help with Electric Shock Claims

Free Legal Justice is a UK-based legal services provider that specialises in personal injury claims, including electric shock claims. Our team of experienced solicitors can help you every step of the way, from gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement. Here are some ways Free Legal Justice can help with your electric shock claim:

Free initial consultation

We offer a free initial consultation to assess the strength of your claim and provide you with expert legal advice. During the consultation, we will listen to your story, explain the legal process, and answer any questions you may have.

No win, no fee

We operate on a no win, no fee basis, which means that if we don't win your case, you won't have to pay any legal fees. This gives you peace of mind and ensures that you won't be left out of pocket if your claim is unsuccessful.

Expert legal representation

Our team of solicitors has extensive experience in handling personal injury claims, including electric shock claims. We will provide you with expert legal representation and fight for your rights. We will aim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Gathering evidence

We will help you gather evidence to support your claim, including medical reports, witness statements, and documentation. This is to find out of any safety procedures or equipment that were not followed or provided.

Negotiating a fair settlement

We will negotiate with your employer or their insurer to reach a fair settlement. That compensates you for your injuries and losses. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court and fight for your rights.

Guides

• Health and Safety Executive: Electricity at work: A brief guide

Useful Links

• GOV.UK: Make a claim to an employment tribunal
• NHS: Electric shock
• Acas: Employment tribunals
• The Law Society: Find a solicitor